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

The party was as Zoey expected. Emma's parents spared no expense. There was enough cake, pizza, and pretzels for twice as many guests as filled the fully carpeted rooms. Freshly baked treats appeared with precision timing, and a never-ending stream of pizza flowed from the kitchen. A taller version of her daughter, Emma's mother shared her warmth and generosity of spirit. She filled the punch bowl, supervised games, and distributed party favors with genuine enthusiasm.


Although it was a Saturday afternoon, Emma's father was at work. Zoey heard Emma's mother promise her that he would be home as soon as he could get away. Zoey was curious to meet the man who Emma spoke of with unbridled adoration. She imagined him to be a tall man carrying a briefcase and wearing a business suit, attire she saw only occasionally on most of the men in town, except the undertaker.


Chapter 25