十月二十九日，距離萬聖節還有兩天，也是我和Mia從酒店返回Solihull的凶宅後的第二日。172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ndxqhpxNS
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNQELFppktV
為了安全起見，Mia和我在家裡形影不離，白晝一同出門到市中心的超級市場買食材，在咖啡店喝杯咖啡，晚餐後安坐在客廳的梳化上，搭著毛毯看電影，看累了便一同回去睡房，睡在同一個被窩中。172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSg5714pZG0
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgoIEmCWKLw
我們甚至會陪伴對方去廁所，一起洗澡浸浴，就像一對熱戀情侶。172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUNBzXHv18F
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNUpvP5uG9X
當然了，即使睡在一起也不代表我們有進一步的親密行為。畢竟這間屋裡還有一對鬼母子。172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ODbdxpMNR
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkFqRLDtVA1
但出乎我們預料的是，回到家後到現在為止，再沒有怪事發生⋯⋯如果撇開凌晨時份偶爾聽到腳步聲和對話聲不計。172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡowDe7PPK2u
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDQUGvkvfxM
樂觀地想，至少我們並沒有送命。172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf6cFJaE5cg
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnaj07QNPlD
縱然無法理解箇中原因，但偉恩說得無錯，現在待在家中反而最安全。172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmtMlOSDIe7
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡItuxDxvLuW
我和Mia一度以為這場噩夢已經成為過去，佯裝若無其事地生活，待事情掉淡後再另覓居所。172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4H9Qqd9XUP
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEskFqEoHKV
Ella曾經說過萬聖節是陰間和人間重疊的時刻，有點像所謂的鬼門關大開。既然有開門時間，那麼應該有關門的時間吧？172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBUZ4LGZPVE
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrCknpikDdu
那麼，只要我們捱過萬聖節都平安無事的話，那對鬼母子應該就會放過我們吧？172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfST5W7OZTC
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHl3dMtH96h
終於我和Mia心裡有了計劃，拖到萬聖節結束然後搬出去，展開只屬於我們兩人的新生活。172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF0k77Tr2ee
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDjhynEPl3N
「總之暫時咩都唔好諗，我哋好好放假。」我在咖啡店捱著她的手說道。172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqD34WmUIPN
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqp9F5kjOck
一切都很美好，直至今天我和Mia散步回來，在家門外的直路遇到鄰居大叔Tim。172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡau52Jt2Xyw
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyGvpchHHkt
風鈴再次被風響了。172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6uSnYzigrj
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZkvMvmBlFR
Mia忽然問道：「Steven，你住嘅呢條街唔算多人慶祝萬聖節。」172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz4vtTVDNGi
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJOTPrmgBLz
我停下腳步回望兩旁的住宅，留意到奇怪之處。英國擺節日裝飾很常見，在網上都會看到誇張得很的佈置，譬如說南瓜燈、燈串、骷髏骨頭和蜘蛛網。172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTfCFolMGws
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡySsv4nGlUl
像去年的萬聖節我跟了酒吧認識的獨居女生回家，她的屋外泊了一部假的警車，圍了圍封的膠帶，室外和睡房的地板都用粉筆劃了人形圖案，佈置成謀殺案的事故現場。172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK2dvr9il8G
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxHXfhRIu8G
「殺死我！」172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIrIyv1T7IO
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOuKvvGxr4e
「再快啲！再快啲！我要死喇！」172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOKVfxb5qfK
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkOo3i24JfI
那一次我扮演變態殺人狂，而那個女生一晚死了三次，荒唐的畫面至今記憶猶新。172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGkRPR5jZNm
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ23d3gE0v6A
但，我的性經驗不是重點。172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgItnU70bE8
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbXJNLVcQzK
重點是佈置。我們經過的住宅能分成「有佈置」和「完全沒有佈置」兩派，兩者中間沒有灰色地帶。吊詭的是，我認出有萬聖節佈置的都是搬進來不長時間的居民，至於那些彷彿忘了萬聖節存在的民居都是跟Tim一樣，住了超過二十年以上的老居民。172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDLi0NI7Jex
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb8lbgJms5j
「可能舊居民冇慶祝節日嘅習慣？」我不怎確定地對Mia解釋。172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlvnew7o2m5
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVgQRb1JqVK
這時候，Tim的聲音在我們不遠處的草地響起。
這時候，Tim的聲音在我們不遠處的草地響起。172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgDJmCePLnj
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ06NxH36nhh
「大家只係唔慶祝萬聖節。」172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkjrxDpNdkl
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw6JtLWD7Ap
轉頭一瞥，我們與Tim的視線剛好對上。172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHrxcUZtVAd
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡERIHQtNJVN
Tim是「完全沒有佈置」的一派。172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa642Xb6K48
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9fWeKurQrc
他關掉噏噏震動的剪草機，瞇起眼瞧看陰雲滿佈的天空。172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQACXhWNTH3
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIxBQKmKfeI
「嗯，又準備落雨。每年都一樣。你兩個都快啲返屋企囉。」他說罷便轉身往門外的木梯級走過去。172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhL4BNCnH7V
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH6JcYSiTzu
我不經意地看了Tim的屋子一眼，發現他是「完全沒有佈置」的一派，霍然憶起他在派對當晚登門的奇怪表情。172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUsfni00Hw4
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPfi1DBknWT
直覺告訴我，眼前這道背影應該知道我需要一早知道的事情。172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX3nOEUoiea
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCyrS9ne0rA
我追問道：「點解大家唔慶祝萬聖節？係唔係怕啲咩？」172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7YkYOfcXrU
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjSNHQP1mTI
「你哋還好？」Tim停雨腳步，神色複雜地回望我們。172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmXU3Hn1Sw0
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxToSrjvguG
我沒有回答他的問題，直勾勾地看著他。172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDvCa0UJhYP
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPCX5PBVssB
Mia說道：「我哋想知道『萬聖節』嘅事。」172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRm4brNdYV7
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOQ4bdFEcvr
Tim低吟兩秒，應道：「如果你哋唔趕時間，入嚟飲杯咖啡吧。」172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKvken7iz6O
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXfY5lMh2Jr
如是者，Mia和我在Tim的邀請下到他的家作客。172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEv1Ri38DEB
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV1FBzhGoCj
Tim的家裝潢不俗，沒有過份現代化的設計，像九十年代的電影常見的佈置，廚房依然沿用明火的爐頭，棕色梳化的皮有點脫色，跟泛黃的薄荷綠直紋牆紙同樣帶著歲月月的痕跡。172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ9aW8Qkq88
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRHYc80O9zH
窗戶外下起毛毛細雨，窗台上的花瓶，插著一束白花。172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3qVm8ulhKu
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwd3N4LTTXP
這時候，我和Mia坐在廚房外的木枱旁，看著Tim在狹隘的廚房煲水，動作不怎熟練。這一點我清楚不過，因為每日黃昏都帶外賣員的單車停在他的門口。172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4kbLhvOkbF
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7EbZx0vjL2
嗒，嗒。172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfBennczUI9
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcEcJgE14SI
「Come on，you little shit⋯⋯」Tim 抱怨兩句後，爐頭亮起火光。172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP1AROCmqBv
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSWelsAetWC
我好奇地站起來，在客廳踱步，當我走到壁爐前觀看錶在牆上的簽名球衣時，不禁被爐上的相架吸引住視線。172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeqylKV7gHm
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa7U4cwDF5u
一家四口的全家幅。172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhg9l8yXOAu
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2pKBbdGRGW
照片中的Tim金髮濃密，額頭沒有現在的火車路軌。他搭著妻子的肩膀，身前站著兩個活潑小孩，看上去十分溫馨。172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuO11IQQDkq
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡde5OpvXuYL
水煲發出汽笛的鳴聲，壺嘴冒出熱霧，然後Tim小心翼翼地端著剛沖好的熱咖啡，從廚房步出客廳。172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTjF5s8YHj8
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEhRUxg62m0
「哈哈，以前都係我老婆招呼客人。佢走咗之後啊，你哋算係我第一個客人。」Tim發現我正在壁爐前看照片。172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡztM0gG1Id7
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡATkx3PcQHc
「唔好意思。」 我尷尬一笑。172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqoIheSEnzf
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEdWOe1yPVl
「唔緊要，哈哈。」Tim擺擺手，正色道：「所以，你哋想問關於萬聖節嘅事？」172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa0M6oww7Bs
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsT13nDuho0
「因為見到你哋屋企冇萬聖節裝飾。」172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLm8S9DRidl
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUwvd9ksFh7
「我哋唔慶祝嘛，大概算係一種尊重吧。對我哋呢啲老街坊嚟講，萬聖節唔係一個好日子，或者係近乎一種禁忌。近幾年搬入嚟嘅鄰居唔知道。」172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoTMdVr5uK1
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5pJ29RVG8Y
「宗教信仰？」172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcKQsKMNJZe
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9nXtCDjPmF
Tim 搖了搖頭。172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3jL3kBbMXp
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBqOGGAhOvy
「你哋無對佢哋解釋？」172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK9jSyga16W
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX98Txympwh
「冇人願意提，而且有啲事知得愈少愈好。」172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPAvZXyEqj6
「但你同我哋講嘅原因係？」Mia疑惑。172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAWWfWdHohR
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzphlGa3WU8
「因為我想搵後生女仔陪我呢個大叔傾計解悶囉，嘿嘿。」172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdZL4hvWi1X
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu1Jbkj95lD
我們知道，Tim沒有說出真正的原因。真正原因是，我們是需要知道真相的人。172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNFbttLwA0z
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1fcZAozb5d
「你哋都冇佈置，不過應該係其他原因？」Tim呷一口咖啡，壓低聲線道：「已經見過『佢哋』？」172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx0Lv5WwbNQ
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSNNkY18zUj
Tim口中的「他們」顯然指那對鬼母子！172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXb1wOq7eb2
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9J2DnYmPt8
我和Mia不約而同點頭。172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm6lwXWA0cd
「你知道佢哋存在？」172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEe7x9R0Mzb
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNDGxl3O9Nf
「唔，呢十幾年來有幾個舊街坊見到佢哋。每一次都係十月三十一號。佢哋拖住手，出現喺呢條街。」172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJI6iEvowX
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs0oDR1S46a
「唔係每一年？」172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡChWzLXVnIz
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZvGUFOARXq
Tim 掏出衫袋的煙盒，抽了一支叼在嘴上：「只有當有新人搬入去你間屋嘅嗰一年。」172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxYKkEZjmV0
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Jrr1Mdgiq
「所以你都見過？」172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyGWogPZUbb
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnErqtpXdUc
「見過？我認識佢哋一家。又或者，我先係造成呢場悲劇嘅元兇。」Tim凝視花瓶的白花，眼眸中露出難以明喻的愧疚。172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBokgfhXrkF
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjZAS7p0pMX
一片花瓣無聲掉落窗台，Tim拿起火機點煙，說出那一段不為人知的往事⋯⋯172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSBQpTHWYI3
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKm2wAkvSwl
＊172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdDmkiMnKsP
＊172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqd01mm2vFM
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡePgYy68n2s
嚓。172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfpKT5RRHiP
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzzhKJGqvdX
「喔，唔該唔該。」Tim輕拍遞上火機的手示意。172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH77VNhMdeS
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNcIvD8Rnzj
坐在Tim對面的男人身穿皮褸牛仔褲，有一頭棕啡頭髮，鷹鼻下是一雙無情的薄唇，臉頰有點點雀斑，左耳上夾住一根煙，看上去像一個入型入格的壞男人。172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY5VcZk8lMS
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa0tnqk7KaQ
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdRyFBMB8Ae
這個壞男人叫Simon，這個故事不能或缺的男主角 。172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPc3MXhv9k2
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwoNgC1VPMO
Simon跟Tim在同一間建築公司工作，是後者的前輩，私底下兩人也是認識多年的朋友。自從Simon跟Tim成為鄰居後，兩個家庭更不時聚會，所以Tim也認識Simon的妻子和孩子，Patricia和Jack。172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡubbu4WVz00
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzI9Txl3xED
Patricia的家在蘇格蘭經營傳統生意，家境不錯，而且擁有漂亮的臉蛋和一頭柔順如綢的及腰長髮，純樸的氣質勝過那個年代不少明星。她在一次到南邊城市旅行時遇上Simon。172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnFmeLtI1f4
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVB4GRHsb7Z
Patricia沒有大小姐脾氣，是一個賢淑的妻子，也是一個好母親。172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpvRnei9tZb
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlNQfuFMU1k
要說的是，Simon和Tim雖然抽同一牌子的煙，但性格南轅北轍。Simon為人好勝，不但沉迷賭博，而且花天酒地，這樣的男人能娶妻生子，是他的福份，也是Patricia母子的不幸。172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVMOA7sLxrq
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdYYSHxkZFZ
跟一般當地人一樣，他們在假日經常聚會，因此。172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEOJZNWNyZT
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfXsZS0F32W
「係喇，我之前見到Patricia⋯⋯佢塊面瘀咗，唔會係你打佢吧？」Tim試探道。172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMB4JlscFEV
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUQCQFhaOly
Simon呼出一口煙：「唔關我事，佢自己唔小心跌親。」172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ExtAz1xJ4
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5RxvsmgMjz
Tim看到對方迴避自己的目光，頓時心裡有數。172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB4qwqKE2EP
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP3eq5kZKeH
「今次輸幾多錢？」172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3rOQzHXJ2r
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN6vmOQp9KS
Simon聞言，露出一抹笑容，彷彿一直在等Tim這句話。172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdsKM8DFuhj
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvllbK1ybrS
「兩千鎊。」172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIhgtm387ZD
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQSp1b9Mrk
兩千鎊當然不是一個小數目，而且Tim已經不是第一次替這傢伙還債。可是因為Simon帶他入行，加上他不忍看到Patricia被當作出氣袋，所以還是選擇妥協。172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyqo6BxvVpQ
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSWq8DJqAWU
「最後一次，唔好再拎去賭。自從你搬咗去嗰間屋⋯⋯」172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDpnE0TNn6p
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRABlaPGcR2
「我間屋好好。」Simon眼中閃過一抹戾色，續說道：「唔好咁迷信，總之我今次一定戒賭。」172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlp2aB1Xf3F
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGh50FwfMJV
這是1997年，萬聖節前的一個星期。172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLmdchtpE7i
事實上，Simon在1995年前買下那塊廢棄的空地前，Tim曾經多次勸止過。172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVrUlPWmqbr
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIgGhH3l5Xe
「Simon，你再考慮清楚先。」172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH4YYBh0kkz
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡinZN9XBWdU
「我約好咗簽咗約，呢啲荀盤難得呀。再講，Jack 都已經5歲，我哋都一直搵緊地方安頓落嚟。」 Simon站在雜草叢生的空地前，滿意地點摸下巴。172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPiA48MjAwz
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡizzSW0B1jS
「嘛，咁確實比租屋好，但其實重有其他選擇。老婆，你話係唔係？」Tim一再勸說。172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRxSyEmLSKd
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBpt9RNtFgC
然而，Tim的妻子的說詞卻是不一。172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡre80igCws3
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4tN8G6OhVu
「其實我都覺得住近啲好⋯⋯大家有個照應。」172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWhWCUq4amo
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6DAGFsFYCP
Simon笑道：「係呀，住近啲好。重有邊度可以呢塊地咁划算？呢塊空地可以起幾層。我一手包辦，又可以慳一筆，半年內應該可以入伙囉。自己有間屋就唔候俾其他人睇死，嘿。」172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbdipTrzSbU
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4S8arMoEgg
Patricia聽到Simon的話尷尬地偏過頭。確實，父母由始至終都反對他們的婚事，覺得Simon為人不可靠，出身於貧窮的家庭。172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuq03wmAo6r
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkdL93f9DfC
富不過三代，但窮絕對可以，是一種惡性循環。172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYygWr5fKNj
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDlQYUOEOC6
Simon一直對此心懷介蒂，當一塊便宜的地出現在他面前，他哪裡能按捺這個吐氣揚眉的機會？172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA9xPCi7wKd
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfkHkc48KIU
Simon一手抱起兒子：「嗱，之後你就有大屋住喇，重大過Tim叔叔間屋㗎。」172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNhDHEIGRE9
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmNnkYqNozx
Tim知道對方聽不進耳裡，也放棄繼續游說下去。也許，那個傳說只是騙小孩的故事罷了。172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwpCVmotKBz
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlmhEeaAzDP
他的目光被空地邊緣的小黃花吸引。172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqcr4zfYIrY
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8SSvocAkoz
小黃花剛剛綻放，生機無比，像接下來一年的Simon一家的美滿生活。172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw41mJHQooF
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDU8EaGbhTU
＊172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZ22tOlP9u
＊172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyxkEzZNQKl
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCMhUJaqDco
Tim捻熄煙蒂，若有所思地攪動杯中的咖啡。172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjAf3vIX55w
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEf5VJ4JraE
「花會開，自然有淍落嘅時候。Simon 間屋比預期快完工，一家三口搬入去。最初都幾好，Simon重喺賭場贏到一大筆錢。但諗返轉頭，本來佢買嗰塊地嘅資金都係因為賭錢贏返嚟⋯⋯說好似魔鬼向佢招手一樣。」172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbyLTWUcH55
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiTVL4ZmPqS
「佢之後開始輸錢？」我並不意外。172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcGWYiFnfZN
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVxNPD2IzMw
輸錢皆因贏錢起，這可是老生常談。172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbpEmQggKLj
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe3LsPYrJ6t
「嗯，大約96年冬天吧，當時落緊雪。Simon第一次向我借錢，起初數目唔大，我都以為佢會收手。但之後佢經常流露著晒魔嘅陌生眼神，我就記起嗰一個傳說。」172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr3iEuSYycK
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡapgIRH75US
「傳說，你最初勸Simon 唔好買嘅原因？」172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx7eG8hiaVD
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtxnKgxuXmt
Tim點點頭：「血樹傳說。」172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhDbeZwkRT5
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxodj5A2GDV
「What the⋯⋯」Mia說。172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYgvE88Mqj
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5osRsqWeTF
「fuck？」我補充。172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtKXJCy9nRj
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ69k5u5LSCU
「女巫與血樹嘅傳說。」172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLTRpTN0j31
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIBlDOusMAx
＊172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCwAWVwFCgt
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJl2M1kbZIy
那是1997年前10月31日，Tim最後一次看到Patricia和小男孩Jack。172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2YvXMFPQ7E
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbaba2Shqn0
這時候，Jack和Tim的大兒子在家裡的後花園追逐嬉戲。Tim抱著女兒和Patricia坐在屋外的太陽傘下聊天。172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7QzqOY1rHJ
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTkpcPXAiAm
「Patricia，佢又打你？」Tim瞧看Patricia的墨鏡，看見眉角的傷口。172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrKYhB4v4ki
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyVoGoUNbar
Patricia趕忙搖頭：「唔，係我唔小心撞親。」172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUtACygY8a6
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVJAAYGml7k
「Bloody Simon！死性不改，我過去幫你教訓佢。」Tim捲起衣䄂，怒氣匆匆地站起來，打算為Patricia出頭。172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaz3Qm2s0D0
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKgaI6c7rp4
「佢前日出咗去，到今日都未返。不過佢今晚一定會返。佢往年都會陪Jack過萬聖節。佢只係最近心情唔好。自從搬咗嚟之後，佢變咗好多。」172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3zIUbZsGeb
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqlX6EcOCjo
「Patricia，你哋快啲搬走。搬去其他地方又好，過嚟暫住一下都好，總之離開嗰間屋。」172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWKHPv0L6vx
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvIYyfYOTa2
這時候，Tim的妻子剛好推門走出花園，與Patricia四目交投，Tim並沒有為意兩人眼神中的異樣之色。172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn7Mva0ej76
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyjoSrbZl5K
Patricia尷尬地笑道：「Simon好快就冇事。」172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2EnuMPRe4v
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8tDt90sK6Z
「你聽我講，血樹傳說可能係真，嗰塊地係不祥之地。」172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVtgTMUI2C6
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIuOOcK2MxU
血樹傳說的起源於十四世紀，與當時的奪走大量人類生命的黑死病有莫大關係。當時的醫學水平不及現今發達，疫症在歐洲肆虐，人們束手無策，每天活在徨恐中，只能祈禱疫情早日完結。172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx4agpugguG
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3fW5RLuNwJ
信仰是一把雙面刃，能帶給人們希望，同時也可以是絕望。172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbxU5wT8QVM
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCbLoxtGMXo
「係女巫嘅惡毒邪術導致呢場災難！要完結呢場噩夢，就要搵出施巫術嘅女巫！」第一個人提出。172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHy0r9HiwU
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsshJGBO92S
「討伐女巫！！！將女巫吊死！！！」172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbD0u1Bzasf
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvVdaxvfeZu
「燒死可惡嘅女巫！」172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbwAVnhGp8i
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN6VoB1WjAV
人聲鼎沸，人們在民間掀起一場以討伐女巫為名的大屠殺。至於當時的中部大陸也不例外，人們把自以為的女巫抓到刑場處決。172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqI9qwQgiZ3
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAuylHR7VE9
先扒去衣服，吊在柳樹上示眾三日三夜。如果中途被亂石頭掉死算幸運，還有氣息的被視為強大的女巫，被淋上熱油後再活活燒死，畫面殘酷得讓人髮指。172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBxsfCdHBYI
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbiZxEuq4Gj
那段時間，柳樹掛滿一具具女屍。其中有女巫嗎？沒有人知道，但枉死的女子絕對更多。172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkhJjjMxcBY
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJpD0uSVNcA
黑死病消失，屠殺女巫的迷信行為被禁止。但在此之後的某日，人們發現了有一株詭異至極的柳樹。172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZaLpCUVNI
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbmoIlYXj9S
風吹過，能聽見淒厲的慘叫聲。172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxuEmIgyjHb
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ41tMsb50Us
砍進樹幹，流出來的是腥紅的鮮血。172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhtADUwgdlx
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbmCzyZGCTc
將濕潤的泥土拿上手把玩，殘留強烈的血腥味。172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3tfQpIiKr1
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJd2EbgtIB4
由於這株柳樹過於恐怖，所以最後被人民合力砍掉，請來神父淨化。但更離奇的是，傳聞所有參與砍樹的人和神父事後都死於非命，先後上吊，彷彿遭到邪靈的詛咒似的。172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡStibxIUJ7D
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRWjvA4FTVW
「Tim，真係唔使擔心我哋。」Patricia握住Tim的手，衷心感謝Tim的關心。172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWaQJ7Yc0c7
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEijAPOZTNg
「Jack，過嚟同Tim叔叔講媽媽教你嘅說話。」172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFbduN5wylh
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJqnEzY9br4
「知道！」小男孩穿著白色小西裝，跑到Tim的面前。172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLRpiPnZI3O
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhLkncq2zph
「The sky is blue⋯⋯」172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW92gbBhaOm
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV5tx0Q352Y
「The grass is green⋯⋯」172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTXgTN8Ydso
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuYH5hcF1PA
「May we have our Halloween？」172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyh8DcFanMX
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyPy9peLiuO
「If not a penny, a ha’penny will do⋯⋯」172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkfCVmStOmT
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVYglsNdm5w
「If not a ha’ penny, then God bless you!」172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3nwFfnNWh4
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHAxtOlNkIQ
男孩Jack 吐舌，乖巧地伸出手。172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGqv38aaewc
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7y3Sg4Z3JL
「Trick or treat？」172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEo4SVBwcFs
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGzyXzADGQu
＊172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyHy38vmHoR
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnT6alftwvN
聽到Tim 唸出那幾句說話，我和Mia頃刻被寒意佔據身體每個角落。172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA5rClFWYI7
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJX9FCtEyJr
Patricia和小男孩Jack正是一直纏著他們的鬼母子！172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyVSiWupiBr
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2J2p6As9Gu
「嗰晚之後，我哋冇再見過Patricia同Jack。至於Simon見過一次。佢當時拖住行李走得好急。我問過佢嗰兩母子究竟喺邊，佢只係答我離家出走。一年之後，Simon因為欠債，走投無路，喺樹林嘅柳樹上吊自殺。由於死法太過離奇，所以報紙都有大肆報導。」172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFjHRZRss3b
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBvLxG4i4w9
「離奇？」172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRgBrj5lSVV
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLoNTdIi6Ug
「兩隻眼血淋淋，但現場搵唔到佢嘅眼珠。一個失明嘅人走入森林上吊自殺，你覺得有可能嗎？」172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsIxTBrcTQI
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkqtcW4V9jn
Tim喝光咖啡，續道：「自此之後，認識呢對母子嘅街坊都唔再慶祝萬聖節。因為我哋相信Patricia同Jack喺萬聖節遇害，已經唔喺人世。如果我當時用盡辦法留低Patricia，事情未必會變成咁。」172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTVrZRU6nNX
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnFaMIxMPYU
Mia不解地問道：「你點解肯定佢哋死咗？」172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx8gDdRIrUH
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3t1Ni1P7SH
Tim遙看壁爐上照片，露出一抹淒酸的笑容：「我太太同我講。『係報應，Patricia咁強年來都唔肯原諒我呀』⋯⋯我太太臨走前一年病入膏肓，呢一句係佢最清醒嘅說話。」172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡULPtiESI9N
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuYlYxpZ2vD
「等等先，我唔係好明白。」我聽得一頭冒水。172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡolyEWa1lNG
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZC8vWl9sP
「我太太同Simon⋯⋯嘿嘿。我嘅大仔都唔係我親生嘅。哧，其實哧我一直都知個仔唔似我。但我對天父發過誓嘛，老婆始終都老婆，係咪親生仔都係我養大，養隻巴西龜都有感情啦。」172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ASkynSvTC
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4dPGrP1wtN
很綠，十分綠。172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeft9JGJKQT
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS6xbgpwjhL
他的綠，比巴西龜、忍者龜和Marvel的變形俠醫都比下去。172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFm0pYSEY4b
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOT4i64mdXK
Mia瞄我一眼，對Tim 說道：「你係一個好男人。如果係我就未必做得到。」172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF95Zy4y3Dj
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJ3fIvz1L3
「都已經老夫老妻，是但啦。不過，自從Patricia消失之後，我太太開始惡疾纏身，病情反反覆覆，手術都做過好多次，但一直唔畀佢解脫，好似有一種無形嘅力量刻意要佢受盡折磨。二十年來，每日佢都喺病痛中渡過。」172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ65BMh26PRk
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW9L40QfU8v
「佢居然冇自殺？」172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaTMo0Ou1w6
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe7zODRekH1
Mia瞪我一眼，用力踩在我的腳背上。172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQTUTkTaxek
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxePLeRGYm9
「唔好意思。」我聳肩道歉。172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZHyaILzdG9
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBR2mIC9ldE
Tim不在意地笑了笑：「我太太認為活著係最好嘅贖罪，即使我哋嘅大仔好多年前都已經填命⋯⋯唔，係車禍。」172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHbJoyITz4g
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7bINtNwKCg
Tim凝視我們：「對唔住，我都唔知有咩能夠幫到你哋。又或者，其實今日係你兩個幫咗我呢一個大叔，哈哈。我一直見唔到佢哋兩母子。如果你哋唔好彩見到佢哋，就幫我道歉吧。」172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlnHYCneHOQ
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5mmnQpxusG
這是Tim跟我們說最後一段說話。172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJrIWQ6I1H
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNIx2e8RPVF
＊172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZYlXExNl69
