This is reminiscent of 1,000 Paper Cranes, in that the origami butterfly carries a wish..
Really a sweet, small moment of hope. And from the NaNo cheerleader, we expect that. :)

i like the way that the tangerine colour lifts her spirits.

Lovely and nicely paced. Does seem to hint that the friend is now gone beyond reach, like dead, or in a coma, or moved to New Jersey.