“
Before I had a chance to reply, I realized that my colleagues had assembled in a circle around my desk without my noticing. I looked up at them. Their expressions ranged from bored to benevolent. Janey looked mildly concerned. “We know you don’t like a fuss, Eleanor,” she said, having clearly been nominated as spokeswoman. “We just wanted to say that we’re glad you’re feeling better, and, y’know, welcome back!” There were nods, murmured assent. As speeches went, it was hardly Churchillian, but it was yet another very kind and thoughtful gesture. I wasn’t one for public oratory, but I sensed that they would not be satisfied without a few words. “Thank you very much indeed for the flowers and the card and the good wishes,” I said, eventually, eyes on my desk while I spoke. There was a bit of a silence that no one, and certainly not me, quite knew how to fill. I looked up at them. “Well,” I said, “I don’t suppose those overdue invoices are going to process themselves, are they?” “She’s back!” Billy said, and there was laughter, including my own. Yes. Eleanor Oliphant was back.
”
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