Chapter 42

"Welcome back!" My co-worker's voices echo through the office, catching me off guard and causing me to stumble backwards. My hands fly to my mouth in surprise. Bouquets of fresh flowers, cards, and treats overflow on my desk. I smile and drop my bag onto the floor, picking up some of the cards and looking through them.

"Guys, this is too much. You didn't need to do this," I say, teary eyed.

Julia wraps one arm around me. "We wanted you to know we missed you and we're happy that you're back. The last two months without you have been too quiet."

I brush the tears from my cheek with the back of my hand. "Thank you everyone."

After receiving gentle hugs from each of my co-workers, I close my office door and ease myself down into my chair. My body is still sore, my movements are slow and rigid. I take a deep breath and rest my head against the back of the chair. The day has barely even started and I'm already exhausted. I open my laptop and turn it on, the screen coming to life for the