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

Zoey ran after Ruby. "Wait," she called, the wind whipping her words back into her face. "Talk to me," she called again.


Ruby slowed her stride and dropped down onto the sand, sobbing. Zoey kneeled beside her, wrapping her arm around her. Celeste caught up to them, shaking the sand from her butterfly sandals.


"I can't believe it," Ruby cried. "How could we not have seen it? Why didn't he tell us?" She looked up, her cheeks raw from her tears. "Now we've lost him too. It isn't fair."


"I know," Zoey soothed her. "Try not to think of it that way. Think about how he was always there for us." Zoey looked into her eyes. "Remember? Every birthday, Christmas, skinned knee. He was there for us. Who fed us when Aunt Flory wasn't around? Who taught us everything we know about nature?" She looked up at Celeste, who was standing over them listening. "Who encouraged Celeste to study science? We didn't miss out. We did have a father, and he loved us."


Chapter 63