As we walked into the Dean's office, my heart was racing. What if they don't accept me back? The stare from the students weren't helping. I felt Nathan's hand on my back, a reassuring touch, but I couldn't shake off the anxiety. As we entered, I was expecting a bit of a lecture or at least some questions about my extended absence, but the Dean greeted us with a warm smile.
"Ah, Fiona, it's so great to have you back! We've missed you around here." He came around his desk, shaking Nathan's hand before turning to me. "I hope everything is well? You've been gone for a while."
I was taken aback, my eyes widening in surprise. "Uhm... yeah, I'm fine, Dean. Thanks for... uhm... welcoming me back?" I stammered, my nervousness kicking in. I glanced at Nathan, wondering what was going on. He just gave me a reassuring smile, like he knew something I didn't.
