Our Trip to the Fun Fair

by i_luv_dawgs

I had been pretty bankrupt for some time. I had been reduced to taking my pets to the Soup Kitchen in desperation. It's not a fun thing to have to do. Of course, I deeply admire the kindhearted Soup Faerie for her devotion to feeding the less fortunate pets of Neopia, but it was unfortunate that my brilliant pets had to eat soup for days on end.

I spent many tireless hours beneath the boughs of the heavily laden Money Tree, but I was often unlucky. The ghosts taunted and teased as they stole the donations, waving sacks of gold in front of my face. I decided I'd had enough. I marched to the bank where I had opened an account, withdrew the few coins I owned, and taking the NP I had gathered from the Money Tree, took my pets for a day out. They had been miserable for some time, but had remained brave and cheerful for my sake. I was grateful my pets were so understanding. Twynki, my Korbat, swooped around me, baring her fangs and giggling excitedly at the idea of a fun day out. I told her not to get too excited, worrying that the 'grand day out' might turn to a nightmare. Kourafa, my Kougra, purred around my ankles, just happy to be taken for a quick breather.

We walked across the barren land, Twynki telling me her tireless tales of hunts for buried treasure. I listened patiently, but was eagerly scanning the horizon for traces of fun, anything to bring my beloved pets enjoyment. Suddenly, Kourafa clawed at my leg to get my attention. He was bounding about excitedly, waving his paw vigorously at a building in the distance. Shading my eyes with the back of my hand, I peered closely to try and make out the place. Twynki swooped up high and flew ahead to check it out. She zoomed back, breathless.

"It's a fun fair!" she declared in awe, flicking her tail impatiently.

"Let's go, please?" Kourafa begged.

We neared the fair and I looked at the prices. It was 2 NP each ride, and they were good quality, too! So, we went in, and my NeoPets pounced from one ride to the next, thoroughly enjoying their 'grand day out.' They especially enjoyed the roller coaster. I was grateful my pets had a taste for adventure. After a while we stopped for lunch, where my tireless friends gobbled down hot-dogs galore (with the works, of course), before dashing back to the rides. I insisted they start with a slow one right after lunch, something like the Ferris Wheel was what I had in mind, but my naughty but lovable pets went straight for the bumper cars. I was astounded at how they managed to survive - not even a hiccup was uttered. They were soon pleading for ice cream - how could I refuse? I watched happily as they slurped their Magnums, sharing stories and thrills and spills with one another. A warm feeling tickled my toes - I had a family bubbling full of life. At the end of the day, my exhausted pets slept in my arms on the way home. I carried them off to their beds and tucked them in. They fell asleep with beaming faces.

The next morning after they had left for school, I headed for Quiggle's Health Food Store to get some Calcium Supplement and Organic Fruits with my leftover NP. Back to the Soup Kitchen tomorrow, I sighed, handing the money over the counter. Quiggle grinned at me. I had always liked Quiggle. He was the only Shopkeeper in Neopia who didn't throw me out of the shop calling me rude names when I found I hadn't the right money to pay for things.

"You look a little depressed, Ma'am," he announced, popping my purchases into Cloth Bags (good for the environment!).

I nodded, "You could say that." I clutched the bag tightly, and went to leave, when I heard Quiggle add, "Twynki and Kourafa had a great time, Ma'am!"

I turned, and Quiggle pointed out the window. Kourafa and Twynki were outside, showing off souvenirs to their friends and telling thrilling stories of their 'grand day out'.

"That's nothing," a pushy Techo declared. "My master took me to the Mystery Island! Beat that!" I prayed my pets' response wouldn't be too harsh. Kourafa replied simply: "Yes, but I'm sure your Master has oodles of money overflowing out of his ears! Our mistress spent all the NP she had to take us out for the day."

"Yes," Twynki chimed in. "It may have been simple and cheap, but it shows her appreciation for our companionship, and expresses her love! It was all she could afford, and yet to us, it's treasure from the heart."

Tears quivered on my eyelashes. With a sniff, I beamed at Quiggle, turned on my heel and walked out of the shop. My pets had realized the true meaning of love and friendship, and I had been taught a lesson, too. Never misjudge your pets. Just when you're in utter need of help, they will really surprise you.