Flora’s Guide to a Second Chance at Love and Life

Waking up too early left me feeling groggy.

The other contestants, all first-timers to Lone Island, were buzzing with excitement, chatting away non-stop. It was pretty loud.

Flora took out her headphones and popped them on. Selene glanced at Flora and quieted down.

Mr. Tanner stared at the back of Flora's head, looking worried. In the past, just the thought of Flora entering a competition could make him smile. But now, Flora hadn't attended any of the training sessions. Could she really handle it?

...

At exactly ten o'clock, the plane touched down. For all the contestants, it was their first time on Lone Island. Once they got off, everything seemed new to them, like country folks visiting the city for the first time.

Flora, carrying her luggage, walked at the back of the group. Her laid-back and casual attitude made her stand out.

"Is this the Austenberg team?" a staff member waiting outside the airport asked politely as they approached.

"Yes," Mr. Tanner nodded.

on the far right. Someone will take you

various countries had arrived one after another, dressed in their national outfits with their

the buses were full, and more teams kept emerging

suits walked over. They seemed pretty important, as the staff

you're here? Does Ms. Abbey

gave a nonchalant grunt and glanced over at Mr. Tanner and the others before asking, "Which one of

me," Joy stepped forward, having guessed these were Abbey's people as soon as the staff

Joy, Ms. Abbey sent us to pick you and your friends up. Please,

of other countries, who couldn't help but wonder since when

know people on Lone Island? This treatment is too

Austenberg contestants were pleasantly surprised. While contestants from other countries had

buses, they got to ride

tell during training that Ms. Abbey thought highly of you! And now she's even sent people to pick you up; she really treats you

highly regarded by Abbey

curved up slightly as she basked in the envious gazes, lifting her chin a bit