Zoey has no idea what it means to be normal. Everything she touches has a taste, and her father’s identity is a town secret. Her sisters have their own issues. While it's a struggle for Celeste to connect with the world, Ruby, who has a flair for the dramatic, doesn't worry about anything. Orphaned at birth, the fourteen-year-old triplets live with their aunt and mark seasons by the annual migration of captivating birds. Despite an almost idyllic childhood grounded in Aunt Flory's home-cooked food and family values, Zoey struggles with her identity in a community where the Starling family is the subject of gossip. But secrets run deep in the small town, and the triplets aren't the only ones with something to hide. Zoey soon discovers that the truth isn't obvious and different perspectives shape the world. It's always how you choose to look at things that matters most.

Bugs, Weeds, and Water is created by Evangeline Greene, an eGlobal Creative Publishing signed author.

Bugs, Weeds, and Water

At the mall, the girls each picked out a pair of sensibly-priced sandals. Ruby eyed a pair of stylish designer sandals that some of the popular girls at school wore, but she put them down when she saw Aunt Flory and Verna approach. Aunt Flory didn't believe expensive meant better. "A crown is no cure for a headache", she often said, herding the girls toward the bargain bin. The small inheritance left by her parents was enough to support the family, but Aunt Flory was as careful with a penny as she was with her cooking. There was always enough, but nothing got wasted.


Zoey chose sandals decorated with delicate beads, while Ruby preferred colored glass and rhinestones. Celeste picked a simple leather pair with a butterfly appliqué. Aunt Flory paid for the purchases, then gathered the old shoes to put in her bag.


"We can donate these old ones to the church," she said. "They still have plenty of wear in them."


Zoey and Ruby slipped on their new shoes and paraded out of the store.


Chapter 17