Lucy hadn't been nearly as excited as Andy thought she would be. In fact, she didn't seem pleased at all, and the closer and closer it came to the trip the more he thought she would back out at the last minute, but she didn't. What she did do was extract a promise that the next vacation they took would be her choice. Andy agreed, determine not to let her sour mood ruin the trip.
Everything from the plane ride to the hotel met with her thin lipped disapproval. Learning they would be travelling across the African savanna in jeeps and camping under the stars had her riled up even more. So on the second day of the trip, Andy was hanging out the side of a jeep, snapping pictures as they passed a family of giraffes, Lucy was on her cellphone complaining about the spotty reception. Andy tried not to think of the roaming charges they would get if she did somehow manage to find cell service out in the middle of the wilderness. Thankfully there were others on the trip, ten tourists, two people from the tourism agency, and five locals to serve as guides and drivers.
A herd of elephants brought the caravan of five jeeps to a stop so the tourists could take pictures. Some even getting out, and with the help of the locals approaching the animals which seemed remarkably friendly, he wondered if this was a known herd they kept track of because they didn't mind people. "Look at that Lucy, that baby elephant is adorable." Nope, not even baby animals could bring her out of her sour mood, she seemed determined to hate every minute of this trip. Andy on the other hand felt the call of nature. Not the trip, but the need to pee.
He sighed and climbed out of the jeep. "I'm going to, uh, use the bushes. Don't let them leave without me." Lucy made some sort of acknowledgement noise, so Andy slipped into some brush, undid his pants, and lets a stream flow onto the dusty ground. Half way through his business he heard the engines start up. They must have been ready to leave, so he tried to hurry, but Lucy would tell them he wasn't there.. except the noise got fainter as Andy was zipping up. "CRAP!" He ran back to where the jeeps where, only to see a cloud of dust in the distance that blacked them from view, and probably their view of him as well. He tried running after them, shouting and waving his arms over his head but nothing.
He kicked a rock in frustration, sending it skittering into the distance. Taking a calming breath he thought things through. It was afternoon and the jeeps would be stopping soon. He could just follow them and they'd certainly notice him missing eventually and send one back to look, right? Right..
The only problem was his backpack was still in the jeep, with his sunscreen, water, and snacks.. This was going to be an unpleasant afternoon. He shielded his eyes as he looked up at the sky. At least it would cool once the sun was down in a few hours. With a sigh, he started walking.