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 girls collapsed together in relief.


Aunt Flory hesitated. "It's hard to say. There are still a few more tests he wants to run, and he's starting me on a strict exercise plan on top of the diet."


"Don't worry about the diet part," Ruby said, laughing. "Celeste will make it her sole purpose in life to cook whatever you need."


Aunt Flory laughed too, but Zoey could see there was something else on her mind.


"What's wrong?" Zoey asked. "What aren't you telling us?"


Aunt Flory wrung her hands. "I'm considering surgery," she finally said. "But I haven't made up my mind. John has arranged for me to see a specialist, and, as you would expect, that means more tests..." She paused, as if aware that she wasn't making sense.


"But you said everything was okay," Ruby protested, clutching her chest. "Are you having open-heart surgery?"


Chapter 48