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

with nearly a hundred buses parked. Contestants from various countries had arrived one after another,

buses were full, and more teams kept emerging from

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

ask why you're here?

over at Mr. Tanner and the others before asking, "Which one of you is Miss

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

Ms. Abbey sent us to pick you and

from contestants of other countries, who couldn't help but wonder since when did Austenberg have such connections on

know people on Lone Island? This treatment is

surprised. While contestants from

buses, they got to ride in

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

regarded by Abbey was something many could only

chin a bit higher. This was more like