Materials: One intact human soul (Grade B, pliable), one standard wooden matchbox. Preparation: Lay the soul flat on a non-porous surface. It should feel like slightly cooled, taut linen, with a faint, internal luminescence. Do not attempt to fold it while it is warm; the edges will scorch. Step 1: The Initial Pleat. Using the thumb and forefinger, grasp the central nexus point—the area just above the sternum—and execute a single, deep valley fold. This fold should run vertically, dividing the soul into two equal halves. The resulting crease will emit a pale, milky-blue sheen, like wet quartz, and feel surprisingly smooth, almost oily to the touch. Step 2: The Corner Folds. Take the upper right quadrant and fold it down and inward, meeting the central crease line. Repeat this process with the upper left quadrant. You are creating a rudimentary, symmetrical box shape. As these two folds meet, the material will resist slightly, and the resulting crease will flash a quick, deep ochre—the color of dried sap—and feel momentarily brittle, like old parchment. Step 3: Final Compression. Now, fold the bottom edge up to meet the newly formed corner peaks. This final fold is critical. When the material is compressed fully, the deepest crease will appear, emitting a rich, unsettling burgundy. This color is not uniform; it has a fine, velvety texture, like crushed velvet soaked in weak tea. The completed form should be a compact, rigid packet, fitting snugly into the matchbox. Insert gently. The box should feel slightly heavier than before.
crease · tender