Five years together. Every corner of this home had been arranged by my own hands. The walls, the shelves, every surface was covered with photos of me and Barnaby.
I looked up at the two people standing in front of me, suddenly curious to see how they'd explain this.
"We're really just friends? These photos don't exactly scream 'platonic.'"
My tone in the car had already put Lena on edge. Now, hearing this question, she didn't bother hiding her irritation.
"What exactly are you implying? You don't actually think you're Barnaby's girlfriend, do you?"
"I wanted to say something back in the car. What's with the attitude you've been giving me?"
"Before you lost your memory, you were constantly trying to sabotage our relationship, always clinging to Barnaby and making him take pictures with you. Now you're using those photos to stir up trouble. I've been more than patient with you!"
Listening to Lena twist reality like she was the victim here, all I felt was a bitter sort of amusement.
I was about to fire back when Barnaby cut me off.
"Caroline, you were out of line today. I've always treated you like a sister, but that doesn't give you the right to disrespect my girlfriend."
"Enough. Apologize to Lena. Now."
I stared at Barnaby in disbelief.
It was like I didn't recognize him anymore.
Over the past five years, even though he'd bought me at that underground auction, he had treated me like I was everything.
When I came down with a fever, he stayed up all night by my bedside without closing his eyes.
When I couldn't eat, he printed out recipes and taught himself to cook, just so I'd take one more bite.
When I told him I loved the blind-box toys that came with kids' meals, he sat through countless rounds of greasy fast food with me, just to pull the one I wanted.
But now, standing next to Lena, Barnaby looked like a complete stranger.
Lena was clearly savoring his protection. She shot me a smug glance, then put on a magnanimous front.
"Let it go, Barnaby. Caroline just got out of the hospital. She's probably not feeling well. It's my fault too. I shouldn't have lost my temper."
"Fine, fine. It's late. Let Caroline get some rest."
Barnaby neither agreed nor disagreed with Lena's little performance. He gave me one cold look, wrapped his arm around her waist, and walked away.
I watched the two of them disappear into the master bedroom.