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.

car on the far right. Someone will take you to the

directions, they saw an open area with nearly a hundred buses parked. Contestants from various countries had arrived one after another, dressed in their national outfits with their country's emblems proudly displayed.

were full, and

their bus, a group of people in grey suits walked over. They seemed pretty important, as the staff

ask why you're here? Does Ms. Abbey

over at Mr. Tanner and the others before asking, "Which one

having guessed these were Abbey's people as soon as the staff member mentioned

Abbey sent us to pick you and

other countries, who couldn't help

Joy, you know people on Lone Island? This

pleasantly surprised. While contestants from other

buses, they got to ride

during training that Ms. Abbey thought highly of you! And now

envy. Being so highly regarded by Abbey was

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