Which sentence correctly links two independent clauses? (3 points)

A. The packing box had been used and reused: a heavy layer of packing tape was all
that held it together.

B. The packing box had been used and reused, a heavy layer of packing tape was all
that held it together.

C. The packing box had been used and reused and a heavy layer of packing tape was all
that held it together.

D. The packing box had been used and reused now a heavy layer of packing tape was
all that held it together