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

As the girls turned a corner in the path, they ran into Mr. and Mrs. Nelson.


"Ah, a little f-flock of Starlings," Mrs. Nelson said with her crooked half-smile as Mr. Nelson adjusted her wheelchair, his hand flitting around her like sparrows.


"We're watching a cowbird," Mr. Nelson whispered, holding his index finger to his lip as the girls drew closer. "She's found a nest and removed one of the eggs. When she returns, she'll replace it with one of her own."


"What kind of nest is it?" Ruby asked, examining the small, cup-shaped bundle of sticks and grass. In the park, if you looked closely, there were always things to see that you might not otherwise notice.


"Yellow warbler," Mr. Nelson answered. "We haven't spotted her yet. She must be off gathering more nesting material."


"She'd better get home before the cowbird replaces all her eggs," Zoey said, checking the grass for discarded shells.


Chapter 28