My stomach tightened at this sudden revelation and change.

Why was there a sudden change in his voice, his countenance, and body language? He spoke as if we were enemies... We were, but the tension was lesser a few minutes ago, so what snapped? What took us back to that state? What rid him of his usual cheerful self?

“You do not ‘own’ this place. This is still a partnership, right?”

He remained silent.

“Right?” I repeated.

Again, he remained silent.

“Are you going to talk to me, or are we going to act like strangers?” I demanded, taking hold of his arm, so he stopped walking.

He turned to...