Gemotions

The gift arrived just as Ms. Bell was feeling particularly weary. A long, thin box, addressed in elegant calligraphy. She almost didn't open it, but the exquisite handwriting drew her in. She carefully slid the lid open.

Inside, nestled on silk, was a single, perfectly formed paper crane, suspended by a delicate thread. Attached to the thread was a small, rolled-up scroll. She unraveled it. On the scroll, in the same elegant script, was a single word: "Escape."

A wide smile spread across Ms. Bell's face. She held the crane up to the light, watching it dance in the gentle breeze from the open window. A sudden, daring impulse seized her. She felt like she could fly. She skipped out of the room for lunch, and immediately went to book her flight.