The balcony overlooked the colorful and vivacious town. Sounds of laughter and music, smells of delicious food drew her attention to the festivities. Happiness trailed into the sky, meeting the stars who twinkled, promising they knew of many other wonderful things happening right now all over the world. Inside the palace, all was quiet. She felt the shadows of the bedroom behind her grasping at her clothes, trying to pull her back inside to safety. The gilded marble bars of her cage tightened a little more. The delicate decorations of the railing were a reminder that no amount of luxury in this prison is worth more than the beautiful, unattainable gift of freedom. Everyday, the balcony became a larger chasm between the palace and the world. The night air caressed her face, consoling her. Someday, this caged bird would fly free.