Many Neopians, rich or poor, may have always considered their daily visits
to the secluded yet friendly Tombola Man only a few lazy clicks on their mouse.
No big deal right? Well, many more today may have wondered: How did the Tombola
Man become so poor all of a sudden as to set up a donation bank on his page?
Is it because NeoPets want to teach its users to learn how to give rather than
to receive? Or is it because so many people are entering the Tombola day and
night that the owner is forced to give everyone something, even if they don't
win the ticket? What is the real reason to the Tombola's bankruptcy? Well, our
own special Neopian Times reporter, Jenny Lenny, took on the mission to interview
the Tombola Man himself.
As Jenny Lenny traveled from Neopia Central to her destination in the bamboo-covered
Mystery Island Safari, she noticed that all around the river, the trees are
dry and dying, the natives are not singing and fishing as she had seen the last
time she made a visit to the Mystery Island. Jenny decided to take the Tiki
Tour after she stepped off the harbour to investigate the island before she
conducted her interview.
Jenny's first stop was the Mystery Island Training School, where she bumped
into the great Techo Master. She decided to ask him what was going on around
the island.
"Great master, I am Jenny Lenny, a reporter from Neopia Central. I am wondering,
what is happening with the island? I remember that the last time I came through
here many natives were happy and joyful with everyday life. However, this time,
I don't see anybody fishing or walking about the streets. Why is that?"
The Techo Master responded heavily, "Ahhh... that is because they are all
gathered at the Cooking Pot."
"The Cooking Pot? Why is that? I thought the Cooking Pot was only for Neopians
who have developed an extra special recipe."
The Techo Master sighed, "I guess that is because you haven't heard of the
recent news here at the Island. Two weeks ago a giant tornado swept across our
island, damaging houses and crops. Many natives and animals were also killed.
Since there was a short supply of food, the cooking pot has to supply most of
the people's daily nutrition."
"Oh my gosh! I don't believe that. Why haven't we heard yet?"
"Well, Neopia Central is pretty far away from here."
After Jenny Lenny finished her conversation with the Techo Master, she set
off to the Cooking Pot to explore. When she entered the gates, guess whom she
saw? That's right! She saw the Tombola Man standing right next to the counter,
handing out food and supplies to the people. That is when Jenny stepped up and
started asking him questions.
"Hello! I am Jenny Lenny, a reporter from The Neopian Times. I am supposed
to interview you, the Tombola Man. But why aren't you at your regular post and
are here at the Cooking Pot?"
The Tombola Man answered, "Oh, haven't you heard? Because so many natives
were out of food I have to come here to the Cooking Pot to help the poor people.
But since you are here, why don't you just conduct your interview here?"
"All right!" replied Jenny. And she began her interview:
"Mr. Tombola Man, we all at Neopia Central are wondering what has happened
to the once successful Tombola give-away program. Every now and then the Tombola
was closed, but something never has happened such as the Tombola asking for
NeoPets users to donate money! What has happened? What is going on with the
Tombola?"
"Well, Jenny, as you have known, Mystery Island is suffering right now from
a destroying tornado and are now fighting to recover. I had to close down the
Tombola temporarily and ask for donations to help not only the Tombola program
but also the natives here. I had to take all my prizes and food from Tombola
to help Mystery Island survive. We have been all too busy to inform the outside
world, and maybe that is why nobody knows what is happening here. And until
we achieve the goal of reshaping this Island, Tombola may never reopen again."
Jenny exclaimed, "Oh my gosh! Nobody has ever known that the Mystery Island
is suffering a fate like this! Well, Mr. Tombola, thank you for your time. When
I report back to Neopia Central I shall announce your situation and all of Neopia
can help!"
With this, Jenny Lenny returned to Neopia Central, and released the news of
Mystery Island. All of Neopia became involved in building back its favourite
vacationing island. Mystery Island will soon return to its original shape, and
many believe that The Tombola will too. But from then on, nobody judged the
Tombola as merely a meaningless click on their mouse, but a privileged opportunity
too all of Neopia.
Author's Note: This article is complete fiction, but hopefully you have
enjoyed reading it! | 
