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.

far right. Someone will

a hundred buses parked. Contestants from various countries had arrived one after another, dressed in their

full, and

grey suits walked over.

here? Does

grunt and glanced over at Mr. Tanner

Joy stepped forward, having guessed these were Abbey's

sent us to pick you and your friends up.

The commotion drew attention from contestants of other countries, who couldn't help but wonder since when did Austenberg have

people on

were pleasantly surprised. While

got

Abbey, right? I could tell during training that Ms. Abbey thought

on with envy. Being so highly regarded by Abbey was something many

a bit higher. This was more like it. She