What was the past relationship like between Holden and Jane?

• A. They never interacted.
• B. They used to argue all the time.
• C. They were really close, almost like crushes. Maybe, Jane was his first love. It is a pretty innocence romance.
• D. Jane was his sister.

Answer: (C)

Holden's memory of Jane Gallagher shows a tender, intimate past. He recalls Jane as someone he was very close to when they were kids, not just a casual acquaintance. He hints that she felt special to him and that his feelings were more than friendship, capturing a quiet crush or first-love vibe wrapped in innocent, age-appropriate romance. Small details—like the way they used to play checkers and how she kept her kings in the back row—illustrate a warm, treasured connection that stands out in his memories. So this best fits a past filled with warmth and a gentle, almost-romantic closeness. The other options don’t fit because they clash with his recollections: they did interact and care for each other, they weren’t adversaries, and Jane isn’t his sister.