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。184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVIVvbMLRfy
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI1suuhCMNt
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。184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRHFV2uuXb8
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnLpOwb784j
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。184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFKICvd4ram
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkpK16ZUa0k
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。184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5FTZMO6YR
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9lSdXH2Ef7
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。184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn8SqjreBnU
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaabZK6Nhae
樂觀地想，至少我們並沒有送命。184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOYX3VKi0La
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRXeGJg2ymI
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。184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNjl7lkIJtx
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrhanAXaVN0
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。184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPO93MhRMgF
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuDQreAubI7
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？184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjT0Y9eEnnL
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYI6ufIrXt2
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？184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJIKTIf5rn
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQeEyb16CWj
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。184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqty0p0TVWX
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9suxuuUHFd
「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。184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOOsF8DDQg4
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5qtLFRTd8R
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。184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqQh6UdbVlF
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡleoux32OIV
風鈴再次被風響了。184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeFAnchKcxy
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaX81ZoXUzv
Mia忽然問道：「Steven，你住嘅呢條街唔算多人慶祝萬聖節。」184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2JkzkW3Hfh
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4kgmlPODOJ
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。184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHJT4GJKTTd
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5OqYpuiyTM
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。184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrS1JM0YCS4
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwNQuDme79k
「殺死我！」184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjUYXGvrMIM
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7TWh5Cmhqh
「再快啲！再快啲！我要死喇！」184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHmjAsrRJ5r
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡal8A5CX7Eg
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。184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFDTRU2xfp0
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCvwFm2Pt8g
但，我的性經驗不是重點。184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxg9GVzA6gN
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUxpPLcGwjD
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。184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡewzx1bonxX
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ84E9HRhK4A
「可能舊居民冇慶祝節日嘅習慣？」我不怎確定地對Mia解釋。184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡupFh3gayVB
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUqSV7EvOz5
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。184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqY3UMhybPi
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdeLns0c7KA
「大家只係唔慶祝萬聖節。」184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Kh1Gvx65N
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡngW3qsyHjR
轉頭一瞥，我們與Tim的視線剛好對上。184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwt2EOEad42
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4g1aFK1Q2b
Tim是「完全沒有佈置」的一派。184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ58zJ5UFqjz
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0aZEDaIy2j
他關掉噏噏震動的剪草機，瞇起眼瞧看陰雲滿佈的天空。184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUrc0PfAXKZ
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCLdXy3EEvO
「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。184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ50LAGTcktx
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡodNyctMDnW
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。184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM2WPPbaUFC
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzBGREqfDwO
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。184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaApJoecffo
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfyW37rQW7K
我追問道：「點解大家唔慶祝萬聖節？係唔係怕啲咩？」184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡepkYxvMZc9
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Pmd5LKquW
「你哋還好？」Tim停雨腳步，神色複雜地回望我們。184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx29WKsnzyR
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4mcRi0dcpt
我沒有回答他的問題，直勾勾地看著他。184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIARB8Or2z3
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcdFNSaYH7d
Mia說道：「我哋想知道『萬聖節』嘅事。」184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaUzaYsYA8f
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9kGGznzt1Z
Tim低吟兩秒，應道：「如果你哋唔趕時間，入嚟飲杯咖啡吧。」184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmrU2Fi3jmK
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAqi8KnAeNW
如是者，Mia和我在Tim的邀請下到他的家作客。184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNbM07lRTD5
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCYTTC3MlIv
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。184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHSVDfITlJN
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA60RpdOw1Y
窗戶外下起毛毛細雨，窗台上的花瓶，插著一束白花。184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsrJsktxAfR
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA1Y1NbUwGz
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。184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeiwN6WS5A8
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGrwjVToRV7
嗒，嗒。184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKuFuZgqVVO
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwqwLmGNS5e
「Come on，you little shit⋯⋯」Tim 抱怨兩句後，爐頭亮起火光。184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUyosIzNcwJ
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9bR8zFiqev
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。184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZWgZmOy9vG
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCrDQTeTcnl
一家四口的全家幅。184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHu2vms3SSQ
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡluFP4lHgoV
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。184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLN7Aj054hB
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz0JUXgemTG
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。184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2lAwZrsrXX
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnOyf4LFM2l
「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。184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYYvCkWkPKl
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡryGVCeGjAP
「唔好意思。」 我尷尬一笑。184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnUcskdvqXy
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBkKHwYyMLx
「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？」184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWXwmHvFqQH
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQHnODsvZYn
「因為見到你哋屋企冇萬聖節裝飾。」184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ7ZKtKTQjv
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs9L1EudrHY
「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。」184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmolimfXYI8
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaVNjSc4PjJ
「宗教信仰？」184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGzjr4b9H2e
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzL9QRNT0Ps
Tim 搖了搖頭。184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGncCuH5Svd
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzWPbMhWkRN
「你哋無對佢哋解釋？」184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ08BFCE2F1T
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4rioDOTr3z
「冇人願意提，而且有啲事知得愈少愈好。」184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZdX3foWtmk
「但你同我哋講嘅原因係？」Mia疑惑。184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHBhHdnhx42
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBKoqoV39Nc
「因為我想搵後生女仔陪我呢個大叔傾計解悶囉，嘿嘿。」184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5DYS0orypY
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSYfsIqiLaa
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。184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcNQQAmkOCs
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmub3OcOJBN
「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』？」184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7FjEG4acDh
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMMgV04LjRm
Tim口中的「他們」顯然指那對鬼母子！184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgQSmps9wnn
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwOnRlSJ7Xl
我和Mia不約而同點頭。184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWwhEzsFr3B
「你知道佢哋存在？」184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk2n33bFrok
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgighstanl8
「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。」184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUV4QkYGJba
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6yqDdbmd1e
「唔係每一年？」184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaJpUmOAvPu
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC6FfNGwia8
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。」184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwum97T18A7
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkilY2cjYHh
「所以你都見過？」184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6oTLo4KCbE
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq5Wz8KKXAO
「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。184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0YvMIgSGCN
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1FFA0qkWdu
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⋯⋯184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ncgxKpidE
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIXyh0few2b
＊184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRU1rvg6ell
＊184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQKIkH5INCY
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJuEyMhFCg0
嚓。184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh8S5SzAC4r
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsQSXJBlBgs
「喔，唔該唔該。」Tim輕拍遞上火機的手示意。184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSDrjywBFa9
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd4xQyXTPsc
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。184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAegCc04lii
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ41ztCmbtMf
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuqXUUP2pZL
這個壞男人叫Simon，這個故事不能或缺的男主角 。184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbmoapfqyKT
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2WCUBSjtx8
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。184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡov18ZlKWTb
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqRIqDvrV4Z
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。184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAb4RZVXQva
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZQEyvSj5rD
Patricia沒有大小姐脾氣，是一個賢淑的妻子，也是一個好母親。184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9TjItxf5jH
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZmY3vt40NR
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。184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5cr2qUh12w
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Dif3eQg5w
跟一般當地人一樣，他們在假日經常聚會，因此。184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ23n59tN71
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsBOz7cHezd
「係喇，我之前見到Patricia⋯⋯佢塊面瘀咗，唔會係你打佢吧？」Tim試探道。184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMzGFH5GXQN
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ77QxXfnrCT
Simon呼出一口煙：「唔關我事，佢自己唔小心跌親。」184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuQSH3HCYqp
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn7MGCY0ADG
Tim看到對方迴避自己的目光，頓時心裡有數。184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIlJ4o4lhV2
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ674owJtehd
「今次輸幾多錢？」184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcXuwXLet7R
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMFseu9PCk8
Simon聞言，露出一抹笑容，彷彿一直在等Tim這句話。184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDE03KMIjIn
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0aqWVNngrv
「兩千鎊。」184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdUdizcXTSQ
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWf2OmApvML
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。184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlLl55TPguX
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRBZnU4Nwb0
「最後一次，唔好再拎去賭。自從你搬咗去嗰間屋⋯⋯」184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmV2xCudqU8
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNv5HdTJl75
「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。」184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhJjAMh9mXi
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ52gYY4DA33
這是1997年，萬聖節前的一個星期。184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHDPXT5evWA
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。184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY9tY2UZT3n
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwWVlDhPZPP
「Simon，你再考慮清楚先。」184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMpfGal46Dg
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjqRkgBAxwJ
「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。184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF1rNM14UTx
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2pQ9vo2o9K
「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。184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJehbNQyMe
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp98e8mu9f6
然而，Tim的妻子的說詞卻是不一。184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrma9WMfKRV
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuBOnrGbLt8
「其實我都覺得住近啲好⋯⋯大家有個照應。」184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJe4sxrJWOc
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlZh9YLypBA
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。」184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwWZP1ml3gM
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUcWNQaiCwi
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。184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMPC4qJwDNP
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaZAFCpDYle
富不過三代，但窮絕對可以，是一種惡性循環。184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGxpFt6yPD3
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEs0J9ki23L
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？184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUtuOZMBeza
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuA9xE5jxKw
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。」184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmmPos7bEdW
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡglEz9nPFQj
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。184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKC2XYL16vQ
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaIoiLlLxXX
他的目光被空地邊緣的小黃花吸引。184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaXRm5crNHz
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCBq7bbtL8y
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。184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8clncRPKuG
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi2EbOMEGIK
＊184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoTbbaT6jQO
＊184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYEuhPiK3Im
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4CbIvilORU
Tim捻熄煙蒂，若有所思地攪動杯中的咖啡。184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeqylFQnetF
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4fCYDkQQci
「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。」184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYCZCayLpWP
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP8qzfo734e
「佢之後開始輸錢？」我並不意外。184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3r5r7Htq1d
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXvSz9Yx76W
輸錢皆因贏錢起，這可是老生常談。184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4tO4OBouG2
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSKMuU6cAsk
「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。」184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbdzCSrcccn
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHtYXIyg2wG
「傳說，你最初勸Simon 唔好買嘅原因？」184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwNtaIwqiUq
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4ISeLNWuu
Tim點點頭：「血樹傳說。」184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEPvBpRhBxu
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNojMKa99kk
「What the⋯⋯」Mia說。184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcPYcnref9a
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJkqTCShW7L
「fuck？」我補充。184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ50jfQor3Fj
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeYR39hVUGz
「女巫與血樹嘅傳說。」184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG0Ruh2X8t3
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHvsmrDpWHI
＊184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaBakQWTKd7
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3LjyxbYfH0
那是1997年前10月31日，Tim最後一次看到Patricia和小男孩Jack。184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcaRrI1xKIJ
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5VoUE1fNVm
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。184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpcDiLz7mBv
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ9vrZezASN
「Patricia，佢又打你？」Tim瞧看Patricia的墨鏡，看見眉角的傷口。184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdq0IAiRwB8
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrEZoECj1GG
Patricia趕忙搖頭：「唔，係我唔小心撞親。」184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG94QLkYRx0
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ72SoLmEAmn
「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。184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWcTxzpxmJ7
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6J6HXdINge
「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。」184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtL5CYkgeKc
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEMxD60eEdo
「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。」184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVmVs6RCwG1
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn7CTY3BB98
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。184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdeB7TC16nr
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFz4pMlUzi8
Patricia尷尬地笑道：「Simon好快就冇事。」184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE99oFi3g9y
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡolqVtZornC
「你聽我講，血樹傳說可能係真，嗰塊地係不祥之地。」184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTaG9L5k8UO
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOM8k7ud6LS
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。184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOcbLy6yqGn
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbU5HSQqDsr
信仰是一把雙面刃，能帶給人們希望，同時也可以是絕望。184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcMvEfldO7q
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmu9HIVfkyt
「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。184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5EpW46qeg0
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi0ssPBEefo
「討伐女巫！！！將女巫吊死！！！」184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnYzaEvg9wC
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIkz1nuKYko
「燒死可惡嘅女巫！」184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJlqpiCU4Gv
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhfVCl7kT8T
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。184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa1GKpyuM8N
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyCiWBkiOqh
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。184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7m2HPFXtoT
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡziXETfRItS
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。184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwevxxOJDF3
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJALeOoN1Pb
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。184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmTGeqTNDex
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgo5xWDRgbU
風吹過，能聽見淒厲的慘叫聲。184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJvAJyiy78
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6pw9ri393F
砍進樹幹，流出來的是腥紅的鮮血。184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiwEjFcIyYG
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2SqSoaGnM5
將濕潤的泥土拿上手把玩，殘留強烈的血腥味。184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrMnY3L6CL1
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpxXN0SEywa
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。184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqpv6nxQLdX
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnYbslOwk2P
「Tim，真係唔使擔心我哋。」Patricia握住Tim的手，衷心感謝Tim的關心。184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8GHyonb4HR
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzCuJc7FoNi
「Jack，過嚟同Tim叔叔講媽媽教你嘅說話。」184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0zSiSiJEZ3
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwu6nOSn8Gn
「知道！」小男孩穿著白色小西裝，跑到Tim的面前。184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLaXGxfQspv
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2sWEBqvcpH
「The sky is blue⋯⋯」184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmnmRYOCGAr
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwLV1O72hiG
「The grass is green⋯⋯」184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4VvyiM2rK9
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUaH8abP9IN
「May we have our Halloween？」184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZwYZVwwrU
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3mHIIx9x4T
「If not a penny, a ha’penny will do⋯⋯」184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI77FOV2X7f
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoVe5unJWFZ
「If not a ha’ penny, then God bless you!」184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBSUqf2T9jd
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiL7o4XMC5i
男孩Jack 吐舌，乖巧地伸出手。184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeLHc1r06Gj
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdFXmc92L7r
「Trick or treat？」184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiiY912qNrN
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGn4Wx4lK8I
＊184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Fqkt3E67V
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8AJsQG9Whf
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。184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxvC8RhcvIT
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSn764tPWZ3
Patricia和小男孩Jack正是一直纏著他們的鬼母子！184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlhOlxH0NlH
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnOjdQ03Uco
「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。」184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDmJOuJgTJs
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3TCFjyLfoy
「離奇？」184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ44jSdRAUEX
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnCoZI2SzNM
「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？」184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvb7QYRXxHa
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeurDl2M2c2
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。」184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDqPDJ7L1Io
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxFWiW7a706
Mia不解地問道：「你點解肯定佢哋死咗？」184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg6fQQVPxXf
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡghCE5ourXz
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。」184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfWUInnOOFN
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGIzO5c6jke
「等等先，我唔係好明白。」我聽得一頭冒水。184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt08F6DCgxQ
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv0TJBxl4LA
「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。」184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡicVY3aUZO5
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfDGAhl57Hn
很綠，十分綠。184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpAGai8nyhe
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYpd0pzKNYt
他的綠，比巴西龜、忍者龜和Marvel的變形俠醫都比下去。184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlXK4hwxhOw
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfpQkBItcwE
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。」184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1WSVHqGJq
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm3K5GTuUNd
「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。」184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXHD0137eCp
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaVGC8xfc3s
「佢居然冇自殺？」184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡueLoKfovnw
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrGx0QokhCK
Mia瞪我一眼，用力踩在我的腳背上。184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbabOlFpu6R
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI4VOLD1P58
「唔好意思。」我聳肩道歉。184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdVjRRFqr3R
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVO5MxMTLdQ
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。」184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJY7bZh36zN
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdcqsKFpMz3
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。」184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDdvC3lJABx
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUIFmEyNjEq
這是Tim跟我們說最後一段說話。184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ1NsDDYZZj
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUOGzP0lUEr
＊184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaaeRqUOYg1
