Taking my afternoon nap I hear "Ba Hidine! Ba Hidine! Mulefwaya rat?" Miss Heidi! Miss Heidi! Do you want a rat?) Words that have started becoming all too commonly heard these days. I stumble out the bed and make it to the door. Blink once. Blink twice. Mwila and Bright are holding a rat proudly into the sunlight. Sure that I would buy today's kill, which I have to admit, is a lot bigger than their usual fare offered. Only 1 kwacha! A steal. Sadly, I have to turn them down. "Nshekwete 1 kwacha." I respond in my rudimentary Bemba. Their faces hid no astonishment as they slowly lowered the mouse to their sides. The whole time repeating my answer. Discussing them amongst themselves. Truth is: I'm a regular customer. Rats are commonly enjoyed in rural Zambia. All over the world. My cat seems to love them. He enjoys every one.
