"Julie's Unicorn" is in large part about how a work of art, even a poor one, can interact with the lives of those who see it. In Julie's case, the work of art hops out of a tapestry and lives with her for a short time.

She has been deeply moved by the tapestry that depicts a unicorn being abused by people, and she has reacted by wishing to free the unicorn. "At last she [Julie] gave up any notion of work, and simply stood still before the tapestry, waiting patiently to grow numb to the unicorn's endless woven pain." Unlike most people, she has the power to act on what she feels, a gift from her grandmother, who taught Julie her magic enchantments. Thus, "She lifted her right hand and moved it slowly across the tapestry, barely brushing the protective glass. As she...