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

When Dr. Tanner dropped Zoey off at the house after her blood tests, she was annoyed to find Verna waxing Aunt Flory's upper lip in the living room. As usual, Verna had a cigarette dangling from her mouth. "Don't leave that door hanging open," she scolded Zoey. "The gnat hatches are as thick as fog today. I swear I swallowed a handful of them just coming in from my car."


Verna wasn't exaggerating. Thick clouds of gnats swirled like smoke in fields and ditches across the county. Windshields were caked with the harmless, black bugs. Zoey let the door slam behind her, secretly pleased when Verna jumped.


"Heavens, child," Verna complained. "Are you trying to wake the dead?"


"How did it go?" Aunt Flory asked cautiously. "How are you feeling?" She yelped when Verna yanked off the strip of wax pasted above her lip.


Chapter 32