Today the magician's assistant didn't feel like being a beck and call girl. She didn't feel like disappearing and reappearing on demand; she wasn't ready to wait inside a trapdoor for the upteenth time while the audience ooh'd and aah'd at the magician's flourishes.

Today the magician's assistant felt dangerous. She could choose not to disappear, and remain resolutely solid in front of the awkward magician and uncomprehending crowd. Or she could disappear without a trace and never come back.

Either way was fine, as long as she did what she felt like doing.