Chapter 19: Chapter 19

"Deal," Ruby said. "Justin overheard his mom in the hallway at school talking to Mr. Barton about us. He said Mr. Barton and his mother were both friends with our mother in high school and that they were sad we lost both our parents. Then Mr. Barton said Aunt Flory was a saint, giving her whole life to us, especially Celeste, and that he wished he could do more to help. He said he still feels guilty to this day." Ruby's eyes rounded. "Did you hear me? He feels guilty."

"Why?" Zoey asked. While some people in town viewed the Starling family with skepticism and curiosity, many others had gone out of their way to help them. Occasional gifts such as high chairs, bicycles, and winter jackets had appeared on the front porch over the years, especially when the girls were young. Aunt Flory was never offended. Her limited financial position was no secret and the cost of raising three children alone, not to mention Celeste's educational needs, was a matter of simple math.