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

buses parked. Contestants from various countries had arrived one after another, dressed in their national outfits with their country's emblems proudly displayed. They all followed the staff's instructions in an

full, and more teams kept emerging from

Mr. Tanner and his team were about to board their bus, a group of people in grey suits walked over. They seemed

here? Does Ms. Abbey have any

at Mr. Tanner and the others before

forward, having guessed these were Abbey's people as soon as the staff member mentioned 'Ms.

Abbey sent us to pick you and your friends up. Please, come with

The commotion drew attention from contestants of other countries, who couldn't help but wonder

Joy, you know people on

Austenberg contestants were pleasantly surprised. While

buses, they got to ride in luxury

be Abbey, right? I could tell during training that Ms. Abbey thought highly of you! And now she's

highly regarded by Abbey was something many could only

she basked in the envious gazes, lifting her chin a bit higher. This was more like it. She was