This is a long thing to awnser omg sorry
I can't see and citations
The purpose of the semicolon in the example is to join <span>two related independent clauses (option B)
In this case, the semicolon is used instead of a conjunction. They are generally related however, the second part might not be an explanation or clarification.
the semicolon could have been replaced by BECAUSE perfectly well.
- </span><span>Leticia has to leave early this afternoon because she has a doctor's appointment.</span>