The scream of the ants

Nelson Mandela and Jose Mujica share three fundamental things. The first is that they were revolutionaries who ended up imprisoned for their ideals. The second is that they became presidents and global figures of influence. The third, and less known, is that both could communicate with ants.

Maria Wojcik, a Polish entomologist, had the opportunity to interview them to collect their testimony.

"My mom thought I was crazy, but now I have proof that one can talk to bugs," she said while showing me her interview notes. "I'm sorry she died before seeing this work, but parents have that habit of dying when you need them the most."

We were a bit rushed, so, reviewing her papers, I focused only on what Mujica said. Apparently, the first thing he noticed was that ants shouted instructions to each other. "These bugs are very obedient. They don't hesitate. It seems that lies do not exist in their society, although they also have their moments of leisure. They sing songs and have a rustic poetry; they can't rhyme, but they do praise the sweetness of life," read Pepe's testimony.

Maria confessed to me that it is not so difficult to communicate with them. "The problem is that people can't stand even two seconds with any insect; they scream and kill it. The more sensible ones throw them into the garden, but in those conditions, it is impossible to have a healthy and cordial relationship with them," she said seriously, and I couldn't help but laugh.

I think she got offended when I told her that in the most famous Latin American book, the main character is eaten by ants. Still, I got nervous and started saying stupid things, like the time I ate half a fly from a jar of Tarija jam. Or the time my grandmother was stung by a bee.

I even felt relieved when she said goodbye because I couldn't stop saying nonsense. I doubt I'll see her again in my life. Anyway, it doesn't matter; I've been following a fly in the bar for forty minutes.

I'm sure she'll greet me any minute now.