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 soon as they left the driveway, Celeste took over maneuvering Mrs. Nelson's wheelchair around the bumps and potholes in the road while Mrs. Nelson pointed out wildflowers along the way. At that time of year, crimson wood lilies spilled over the paths, crowding out the more timid yellow rockets and frostweed. In the marshy ditches, fresh shoots of horsetail flourished. Zoey remembered Aunt Flory telling them that the pioneers boiled the stems to make a bitter tea that cured menstrual cramps. As they passed by, Ruby snapped off a handful of shoots and tucked them into her pocket.


"Looks like Ruby's going to experiment making you tea for your cramps," Zoey whispered to Celeste.


"I don't need any tea," Celeste corrected her. "At least not for another three weeks."


Zoey was confused. "Then why?" She looked at Ruby and gasped. "When? Today?"


Ruby gave her an apologetic smile. "Yesterday."


Chapter 50