On my first day back to work, my boss gathered everyone at the foyer to make an announcement.
"She's back and I don't want to hear any more rumours ok?"

My jaw dropped. OMG.
I was thinking, "There are rumours? What rumours?"

Everyone looked at me.
I smiled awkwardly, giggled nervously.
I punched my fist to the air.
"It's good to be back!"
Applause.
Dismissed.

A.W.K.W.A.R.D.
Super awkward.

60% of the staff avoided eye-contact with me, even when I'm right smack in front of them, smiling at them eagerly. Even when our eyes met, they looked away.
They even took the longer route to the toilet just to avoid walking in front of my desk.
I tried my hardest not to be bothered, but it's hard.

Today, the ice chipped a little.
One smiled at me.
Two used the shorter route to the toilet.
Two acknowledged me.

This is good news. I'm really relieved.
But can't help but feel a little sorry for myself that my joy can actually derive from these.