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。180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKCrdWH771S
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxHfSeqNu7y
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。180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWqgiNqw1kJ
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUBt3A4FYrX
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。180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSYHwDQtdpr
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVtUZOp5GmN
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。180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVfXufwAgyK
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡudvEasatoV
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。180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0xRvHFtD76
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAx7dVbSKwe
樂觀地想，至少我們並沒有送命。180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP715jpwtdm
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbHiaLoUj8y
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。180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuSc3KeLJoB
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLoPbITuk1t
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。180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUWIPrheyq3
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe6TgjntMxe
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？180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnZT4gfoi2r
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLA5HhVrZ5F
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？180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqoJbjt2Snp
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkdEf3h7Z0M
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。180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZgMhKRLJb8
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡheMOzO6fgr
「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。180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8aDQt5IPjy
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSgkFEveT9N
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。180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡafT02TD2ZQ
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBMPZauMudE
風鈴再次被風響了。180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsZUGADxI98
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLiE7ixBPZh
Mia忽然問道：「Steven，你住嘅呢條街唔算多人慶祝萬聖節。」180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWtlrOfq9Bf
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9BuJ5DrTN8
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。180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Wt9mKZvFV
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrn3yHitVdh
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。180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3qjav8fUFS
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQxcdypETo
「殺死我！」180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx6UYVLh7e6
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnpwEj9syCj
「再快啲！再快啲！我要死喇！」180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡML9C4qJAH8
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEkxAMdKVwQ
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。180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡicLCVBI1sb
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVutsjne0j
但，我的性經驗不是重點。180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaslOt4Ikdo
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp7lnzySkft
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。180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL25lQwAw82
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ51OxH2cgOR
「可能舊居民冇慶祝節日嘅習慣？」我不怎確定地對Mia解釋。180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7bYZEsojJo
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1w3jWuOaG7
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。180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUU64w1jWbJ
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡySi3NGAdJj
「大家只係唔慶祝萬聖節。」180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQp4wkR2DO3
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqVwf679jAY
轉頭一瞥，我們與Tim的視線剛好對上。180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi8pld4cErF
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSxSKlaNCkL
Tim是「完全沒有佈置」的一派。180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlAC50CECLA
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡppOv9uFX3O
他關掉噏噏震動的剪草機，瞇起眼瞧看陰雲滿佈的天空。180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpEpaLNkAwp
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJPN8LMXzEB
「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。180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ96U3HwLK7v
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2mv7mShe4o
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。180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡojfDjVSSSy
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjQLemzgqsG
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。180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDpzQPeSyZU
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLP8WfP2Ue1
我追問道：「點解大家唔慶祝萬聖節？係唔係怕啲咩？」180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjxbHsgQMBq
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqQhIZKISqT
「你哋還好？」Tim停雨腳步，神色複雜地回望我們。180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsS2vymv0HN
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0YI3bry51I
我沒有回答他的問題，直勾勾地看著他。180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPG5MtK7nl5
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZl0yuUTZuz
Mia說道：「我哋想知道『萬聖節』嘅事。」180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNImYsOLglj
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3GEf5eg2EC
Tim低吟兩秒，應道：「如果你哋唔趕時間，入嚟飲杯咖啡吧。」180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyBh6jTlClH
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFMuyq5jXLi
如是者，Mia和我在Tim的邀請下到他的家作客。180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡolDso4gxLQ
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQp1Wg0YBaZ
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。180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRXaNYbtYUY
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIlEPKQ02ky
窗戶外下起毛毛細雨，窗台上的花瓶，插著一束白花。180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrjXrUykyXG
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMvXGKYxTDn
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。180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqa5jwVYNG7
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSKuVtmAVK4
嗒，嗒。180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgFsTSXCu6A
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvIQMkuv8XQ
「Come on，you little shit⋯⋯」Tim 抱怨兩句後，爐頭亮起火光。180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgJmCsWaqxQ
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUAMQpksZvy
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。180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ4YQp7HtUz
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB1jVo1NDXI
一家四口的全家幅。180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUg9Rru8Q30
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5jVE6cJw3i
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。180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJdxyUc2p4A
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNI3TOrBo2F
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。180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQhA0UFatEH
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc4KC4vHwmk
「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。180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHZxVeBHzsA
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5lKrUytJEf
「唔好意思。」 我尷尬一笑。180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5WaHnLJ1pt
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJzQNBjLBy
「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？」180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr77zbHPqT2
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVRqZDOZT1B
「因為見到你哋屋企冇萬聖節裝飾。」180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4x6leu1Dy2
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf2eM01omtF
「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。」180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzMOgsYGs9w
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYTcadQY4rq
「宗教信仰？」180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6GzLIXH1OD
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR0JIpPI0oy
Tim 搖了搖頭。180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR3exh8e1Th
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡULSNUO3xip
「你哋無對佢哋解釋？」180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDuC7BLSO7A
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtG1l5qG6mT
「冇人願意提，而且有啲事知得愈少愈好。」180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1sy2pWM10S
「但你同我哋講嘅原因係？」Mia疑惑。180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkAru9qKYFz
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡON5Q4twpzK
「因為我想搵後生女仔陪我呢個大叔傾計解悶囉，嘿嘿。」180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡatbm70wVO4
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZqiFMAOaXx
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。180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcytzujBuAt
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiFf7nsc7Xs
「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』？」180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqxG1RdzCui
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdZ8B665JzQ
Tim口中的「他們」顯然指那對鬼母子！180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN4C28cAtFw
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtA2Be7qFCZ
我和Mia不約而同點頭。180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSPyaP97fIy
「你知道佢哋存在？」180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuZNZNePubY
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxT3dM8llvr
「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。」180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyOfMC64hv1
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIxp5QsYPvo
「唔係每一年？」180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2IFB1u4b9a
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ53kthBZT28
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。」180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ1HLODfYKW
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQeS5uQ2Cy
「所以你都見過？」180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDfsRoL14Cr
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC9diFXr4sG
「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。180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ51a0sHYwD0
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSjilINCWeW
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⋯⋯180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOQHux7PQQ9
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoXhaJ2sbBM
＊180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Vc8RbRhsA
＊180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMViNEfqxWS
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHdL12a8zyM
嚓。180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI4Cwr2ESXg
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLmttGNoAV8
「喔，唔該唔該。」Tim輕拍遞上火機的手示意。180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeDbhpGsySf
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6K2NZ1sYUk
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。180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2WKroXIfQQ
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI4vvkQKl9u
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ63shRNl8qw
這個壞男人叫Simon，這個故事不能或缺的男主角 。180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ836Zniatwr
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRoHCw5aArt
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。180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2qX45EeYHt
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjzMrcYZ5L7
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。180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6SrnVBp5qn
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdo35AGgk7J
Patricia沒有大小姐脾氣，是一個賢淑的妻子，也是一個好母親。180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHYffGVfqDv
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNn7vddxs6l
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。180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfgNEcwaRWi
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbpDojN8JGs
跟一般當地人一樣，他們在假日經常聚會，因此。180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOjKgg0sEtO
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf0G6Lupkvf
「係喇，我之前見到Patricia⋯⋯佢塊面瘀咗，唔會係你打佢吧？」Tim試探道。180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD96ZyoqAun
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvCvsP23zqC
Simon呼出一口煙：「唔關我事，佢自己唔小心跌親。」180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPh8OGqVDgd
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUBWcoNeHPF
Tim看到對方迴避自己的目光，頓時心裡有數。180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡypwMkbnM5A
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOLUbxH7S3T
「今次輸幾多錢？」180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYui3Iqzikc
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv1i48UdjpD
Simon聞言，露出一抹笑容，彷彿一直在等Tim這句話。180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOu8Bp3lf8F
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGiMCoMSq2P
「兩千鎊。」180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKbj43ElRGn
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJozPCrAsk4
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。180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFUA5hSISPc
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡacy5wZ0v5z
「最後一次，唔好再拎去賭。自從你搬咗去嗰間屋⋯⋯」180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRUppb72zvf
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrXiTEozgzx
「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。」180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTgjjMVoHs3
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx6tAkKHkyX
這是1997年，萬聖節前的一個星期。180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3so2hAMKCB
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。180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNTpbZ4GrXm
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxDZrmSPNOK
「Simon，你再考慮清楚先。」180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLuAL48nBWl
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeb8aW26ADS
「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。180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIDNrkpzztB
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwzQky764lj
「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。180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnr1Un4jOqi
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWp4OXYeZcZ
然而，Tim的妻子的說詞卻是不一。180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNvWNkBBlD1
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPMV1AvbTDU
「其實我都覺得住近啲好⋯⋯大家有個照應。」180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2wyBGUSQYC
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6LzYgk3Jep
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。」180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWO4MKpubwy
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCuyz7VSEa1
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。180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOm74UvLCWE
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEb9w6ZUTLY
富不過三代，但窮絕對可以，是一種惡性循環。180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjpcVFSuV1B
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCgpmEiCFyO
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？180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBkeodRkg7V
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWUOSl7cA2h
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。」180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQRt25kTnAL
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoQlKEgYyvb
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。180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡep35AnxzEw
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh15XhRQWc4
他的目光被空地邊緣的小黃花吸引。180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwY5rIrpfyV
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ9OXIeVeVT
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。180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU14VhCqIr5
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMusCPiOyIp
＊180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo2tOlId0CL
＊180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqbprw91oK3
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtz8xCtxlMi
Tim捻熄煙蒂，若有所思地攪動杯中的咖啡。180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMy5Stv797P
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1KcvVTDqLp
「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。」180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDCZTvFEJtS
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvmF2Pmq7Qd
「佢之後開始輸錢？」我並不意外。180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEP9ujXwkzp
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj3RrBuMl6A
輸錢皆因贏錢起，這可是老生常談。180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi0qBJGK6Uw
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpXx3dzpIvI
「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。」180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhPUCCBEWKQ
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlswoAw6Uzw
「傳說，你最初勸Simon 唔好買嘅原因？」180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdZ32n6PNcl
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPK5hEQXvRG
Tim點點頭：「血樹傳說。」180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvsSMRJQHoG
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHdaqa006ie
「What the⋯⋯」Mia說。180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI304kRzYz0
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ESUvIMWF9
「fuck？」我補充。180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYxwe8WvOXU
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQbOjDFvIlu
「女巫與血樹嘅傳說。」180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQRkT0Bs7xC
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQkLJ905PI8
＊180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8q78fIV8wA
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvNXWhYwufk
那是1997年前10月31日，Tim最後一次看到Patricia和小男孩Jack。180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0KhWjKjV4P
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH0fUuRxbtd
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。180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAKNSXld4WD
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwePHbqTOkG
「Patricia，佢又打你？」Tim瞧看Patricia的墨鏡，看見眉角的傷口。180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsiXVIVYzJA
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡybqKzsMAX6
Patricia趕忙搖頭：「唔，係我唔小心撞親。」180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAstAKixANb
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsW6yGHc91G
「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。180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIico4M9BbO
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt8zePKJbWJ
「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。」180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5BMSscgcGM
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYkIl0AelEY
「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。」180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ11wUy3Oy23
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC9eyJPWb8i
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。180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyDXoY4PPrp
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIHmURMatiX
Patricia尷尬地笑道：「Simon好快就冇事。」180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaKtNUlNtY4
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡspPgB69JZh
「你聽我講，血樹傳說可能係真，嗰塊地係不祥之地。」180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuXHoZLitWQ
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF2YA2wbCiE
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。180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUf13brGP4k
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7qlyY0o7E0
信仰是一把雙面刃，能帶給人們希望，同時也可以是絕望。180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡObWanLQNfZ
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ToU2rzVKN
「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。180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2gatYRCDB2
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR48IkiYAso
「討伐女巫！！！將女巫吊死！！！」180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqbA5HAJmwq
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6UO2rN0VrH
「燒死可惡嘅女巫！」180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyqxlIFPwfu
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB7Xf1Qzj8O
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。180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5gVrsFbEZd
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0DTVdWhc6e
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。180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFPWX7cYFBQ
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHCw9cQodi1
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。180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7G8pZpxeWT
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9AwiHSkcG1
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。180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5AUvTFKb44
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLsKK8GXlyK
風吹過，能聽見淒厲的慘叫聲。180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGmi5QrotfM
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuyToTSlNxA
砍進樹幹，流出來的是腥紅的鮮血。180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuLdH7V5zP1
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh3wcZlo6w3
將濕潤的泥土拿上手把玩，殘留強烈的血腥味。180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFIH0Vc3WJp
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7YxmrnT7sw
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。180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoPf08Rvkuc
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1yZZUqYfSm
「Tim，真係唔使擔心我哋。」Patricia握住Tim的手，衷心感謝Tim的關心。180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Dpk7aDerh
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYsZ5kEjz5B
「Jack，過嚟同Tim叔叔講媽媽教你嘅說話。」180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwosCNdIkX0
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPPio8jk4FY
「知道！」小男孩穿著白色小西裝，跑到Tim的面前。180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfUqiIHIIsh
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCNZIQlS2LG
「The sky is blue⋯⋯」180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVuiwyy46aI
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOE9cwh6qsg
「The grass is green⋯⋯」180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKklbJZqb0B
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJkbx32ysiQ
「May we have our Halloween？」180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ULgKOwcp0
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡChlvlp7htj
「If not a penny, a ha’penny will do⋯⋯」180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1OsSPDzTDI
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIb67tL71Jg
「If not a ha’ penny, then God bless you!」180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtsKlbCSpnX
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTClBG3rgjh
男孩Jack 吐舌，乖巧地伸出手。180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ384QhS1P5w
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ89iaV5rtDH
「Trick or treat？」180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfqjOXhtBie
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiaPECVBQOU
＊180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8A2ejspfcQ
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZ0ZgAZIb5
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。180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDNdCIraOWB
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5xVRPzMZAm
Patricia和小男孩Jack正是一直纏著他們的鬼母子！180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWIQ26BNgNi
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOOxaHBP3Gs
「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。」180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ77Q8jMRDEk
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKh1aHZ7pqN
「離奇？」180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpSS8KVMIbo
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN15OwAG5dv
「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？」180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSefC45K4S9
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnl50k9rwFg
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。」180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNvBqz7mbVH
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0KkkXpsowH
Mia不解地問道：「你點解肯定佢哋死咗？」180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQTCOUR6diG
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMPDrCi7tn0
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。」180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuJL2VxogGK
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8SvcAQQ8Kn
「等等先，我唔係好明白。」我聽得一頭冒水。180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJdp7E1hvRs
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkdZcbMSUYE
「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。」180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7xe34GIfzH
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ511cU35NcV
很綠，十分綠。180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtf4CVqnqq7
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKKZWrRKVST
他的綠，比巴西龜、忍者龜和Marvel的變形俠醫都比下去。180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp0zoJTWMqW
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvorC2TG0bm
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。」180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtmcLGTkJUy
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWB0YZsiygD
「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。」180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV3IawV6g4r
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeyHRgIcP3Y
「佢居然冇自殺？」180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXT3BUQkTd5
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdFGWyTWXDd
Mia瞪我一眼，用力踩在我的腳背上。180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8O5j98L5WM
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiQKH2mZE0Z
「唔好意思。」我聳肩道歉。180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTQrSWnPchY
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXJZ1GIXWpm
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。」180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJlblvgKyvw
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBXB7DlmJhp
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。」180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFs4dHuZhOz
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhWBGzxDlo2
這是Tim跟我們說最後一段說話。180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOyOuvZ5reK
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc3AbbVWjcz
＊180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡngUlFq43Lh
