Saharan Serendipity

    The blazing sun beat down on Mitch and Jamal as they pushed their broken-down car to the nearest gas station. Their time could have been spent much more wisely because the Sahara Desert doesn't have gas stations, and it's not likely giving a fainted camel gasoline to drink would help him fare any better. As it was, though, they pushed and pushed, and the jackals and lizards that watched were quite impressed.

    They also figured they'd save their energy with an easy meal presenting itself to them soon.

    "I told you not to let up on the clutch too fast." Jamal said.

    "I didn't, you're the one who didn't fill the tank enough." Mitch replied.

    "Look at the gauge! We still have plenty in the tank. It's definitely an engine problem." Jamal said back, lifting the camel's eyelid.

    "Well, it doesn't matter anyway. The sign back there said we have another four miles to the nearest shop." Mitch conceded. "Just gotta keep pushing." He added, giving a good shove into the beast.

    "Fine." Jamal said, heaving on his side.

    Sometime later Jamal perked up "Look! An oasis!"

    Mitch picked his head up and immediately saw it too "Lol in the middle of the highway? That's bonkers. Let's go!"

    So, Jamal and Mitch ran to the oasis and jumped into the water. They cooled off and hydrated, and once clarity began to resume in their heads, reality struck them.

    "The camel!" they said in unison. They both jumped out and ran back to the animal, who was now beginning to be surrounded by the jackals that had been watching them earlier.

    "Back off!" the boys yelled, scaring the animals away.

    With fresh minds and bodies, the two stranded gave renewed effort to get the camel to the oasis. By the time they reached the water, they were ready to jump back in, but not before seeing to their steed. It took a long time, but eventually they were able to get water in the camel's mouth and then help him drink by himself.

    Once the camel was alert enough, they shoved him one last time into the pool, and this brought immediate joy to the creature. He hopped and splashed all around in the water, and the boys continued relaxing themselves. That night they all slept soundly; they'd figure out what to do about their predicament in the morning.