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。206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgyTfBQjfix
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8hA192giN1
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。206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0oTyJSeZ5l
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwXTJOYJ7So
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。206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTxldp7UKZD
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv8DmPrID8Y
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。206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4GbbPXzfHo
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxCCQ4lCuH2
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。206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzLXDZl86Yv
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJkgDMwwDHI
樂觀地想，至少我們並沒有送命。206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfhhQrSRxoe
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPjoQgcOpd1
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。206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNQ0PFL1LP3
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRXXxdfmzig
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。206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlfsxNXZ0wA
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeO2KkIlUv2
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？206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡipgoEgsmVV
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRtIz8159bK
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？206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFCfiHv8irW
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCxTVZoE2rx
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。206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4xGqWCGs52
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3p0UGg62DR
「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。206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZFv2lyLmfv
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNkupfu7Ddo
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。206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0GzBQBDCHn
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡowB2Dum6ZM
風鈴再次被風響了。206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkN7bl1stdV
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7p7CHxzxFg
Mia忽然問道：「Steven，你住嘅呢條街唔算多人慶祝萬聖節。」206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7DmbHz93hQ
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfu2Ol2nHnp
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。206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqoMow7IFuK
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjlwLi0aRN8
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。206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc0pgeF3jTe
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRjvjCg2wtL
「殺死我！」206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXspXTXCrHq
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWwSQc1yvDs
「再快啲！再快啲！我要死喇！」206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrPQU9zJBlb
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKqpcd8c3nR
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。206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9DG02WeHzL
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaGuZ7t8idl
但，我的性經驗不是重點。206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIxcDOvilX5
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2sIolP6Lru
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。206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkR5CebVuqZ
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgmmaHuTAgq
「可能舊居民冇慶祝節日嘅習慣？」我不怎確定地對Mia解釋。206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8HFnKhhvkW
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSL9HDyMkQT
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。206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzsi8xuDppM
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1JCAU5Vnl
「大家只係唔慶祝萬聖節。」206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7yLfBpKekh
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ56R5YwsgSh
轉頭一瞥，我們與Tim的視線剛好對上。206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXdvz1DKM9G
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhU517t0SbG
Tim是「完全沒有佈置」的一派。206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9VkyWSgIsH
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsgECTgQih2
他關掉噏噏震動的剪草機，瞇起眼瞧看陰雲滿佈的天空。206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI7akiJic0g
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6j0wxFuUO4
「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。206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9FxjybP2Ad
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSkWLBUzCs9
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。206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrVkajeG44i
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMXqfJiSTnV
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。206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpsQPRkeq95
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSel3uu6QjE
我追問道：「點解大家唔慶祝萬聖節？係唔係怕啲咩？」206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQi1LxG356
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxzxeKOdv4d
「你哋還好？」Tim停雨腳步，神色複雜地回望我們。206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡohC5hKYEGX
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡza727iEkc6
我沒有回答他的問題，直勾勾地看著他。206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZA1xdVVDX
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1wjYKxr9AR
Mia說道：「我哋想知道『萬聖節』嘅事。」206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVXoUqh9Bno
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6O8ocLJjKM
Tim低吟兩秒，應道：「如果你哋唔趕時間，入嚟飲杯咖啡吧。」206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYBCNukvYLP
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL7t4DOU9bd
如是者，Mia和我在Tim的邀請下到他的家作客。206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyNSJ7XYNV6
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp9FcceERjz
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。206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ17zewarD2u
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSEdVPcB7yQ
窗戶外下起毛毛細雨，窗台上的花瓶，插著一束白花。206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiUQE3etn4u
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb2cYo9grrZ
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。206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3REfM4BmB3
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRDyW2E4jbb
嗒，嗒。206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3hAMWjdJ4q
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡybM2EAoxeh
「Come on，you little shit⋯⋯」Tim 抱怨兩句後，爐頭亮起火光。206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5hxKoJrBdY
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8NjJCW3AEa
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。206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Bgn7Qgkdk
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOUpjlkW3oe
一家四口的全家幅。206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4pttAnz8Bh
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡovWbThIIV8
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。206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeLpYPsFMQh
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhBInWt5RwA
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。206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1KTO2N3ub6
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYZxduiRaqW
「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。206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq4DelJL4PL
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNi1J5iaEZr
「唔好意思。」 我尷尬一笑。206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXRCSzSSY71
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ96TvmBr5h
「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？」206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLPtrlRhD8v
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvhhqfldOvv
「因為見到你哋屋企冇萬聖節裝飾。」206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyi8Ian5l3C
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbtPzdVXtdt
「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。」206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIE6B6vfFdu
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdToQpVo6xF
「宗教信仰？」206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqNVkCM9OBl
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvV1w39gAcz
Tim 搖了搖頭。206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5PwiLw8ALN
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO7zbXAgQnG
「你哋無對佢哋解釋？」206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdj0VljkG9l
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmkZ0S65Be7
「冇人願意提，而且有啲事知得愈少愈好。」206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSYySthTvKZ
「但你同我哋講嘅原因係？」Mia疑惑。206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUEXmPBKNyv
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Xon7TTEWR
「因為我想搵後生女仔陪我呢個大叔傾計解悶囉，嘿嘿。」206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjwdW8kqJM8
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSsHBIFfepT
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。206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlloH9wMX2E
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuCwlFsyx7F
「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』？」206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBDxKdcO916
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJufLKpbFea
Tim口中的「他們」顯然指那對鬼母子！206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡupOqQPqlwS
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAmYEQgE5R8
我和Mia不約而同點頭。206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnhb98Ut9RM
「你知道佢哋存在？」206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHYGuuwiLjQ
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCXH7PiL6Bu
「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。」206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ40FHri4Tfk
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaKmRam1zb7
「唔係每一年？」206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpFvcYp72Yl
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsP3gW0cVYS
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。」206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgzk2CdsOkW
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmvy21f16mN
「所以你都見過？」206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqryldXnXzH
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyQpcPTIdRD
「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。206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJndL6nGxq7
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5w50sLLO4R
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⋯⋯206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMoLybU8tHd
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKZ1YVdnshl
＊206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZ4igdn9UP
＊206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa9L0MlYOea
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmjrCxEXlss
嚓。206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡixOZ7Z9nzM
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEAL81RaWUH
「喔，唔該唔該。」Tim輕拍遞上火機的手示意。206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDUOfvRjLXQ
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiyva7nuFGf
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。206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA8AK5PM50D
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7VJ218JsOM
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT7lNovDQwh
這個壞男人叫Simon，這個故事不能或缺的男主角 。206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpdAoV9xCoP
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUhI6zqcDK6
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。206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgdhGFvjZi7
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf6SndLpNqg
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。206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFzn484b7TE
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG1kPjPyC6B
Patricia沒有大小姐脾氣，是一個賢淑的妻子，也是一個好母親。206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHjwdHU9WDl
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrkUExxwfgv
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。206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa1PNN2gIbY
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJDomNHxk3
跟一般當地人一樣，他們在假日經常聚會，因此。206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqiuoNdIV25
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡODt55GMfLm
「係喇，我之前見到Patricia⋯⋯佢塊面瘀咗，唔會係你打佢吧？」Tim試探道。206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ihNQtGUbY
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ54qWavRhKd
Simon呼出一口煙：「唔關我事，佢自己唔小心跌親。」206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV3eML7YtMe
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWLq3AknWRI
Tim看到對方迴避自己的目光，頓時心裡有數。206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnrwC5ZtTnQ
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL80xRr2ze2
「今次輸幾多錢？」206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD8Y1l61iO1
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWMOJuDUfcx
Simon聞言，露出一抹笑容，彷彿一直在等Tim這句話。206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMwn2JlEwXr
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrjS0c5aF0n
「兩千鎊。」206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkUOulUOSTF
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZs1zOTlmOd
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。206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ7o3QoJil0
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqXCe4nnJ6X
「最後一次，唔好再拎去賭。自從你搬咗去嗰間屋⋯⋯」206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtuBdIHoK3Y
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxLjDfLn2P8
「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。」206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2sDfSntEMo
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaOk3JYK0Ns
這是1997年，萬聖節前的一個星期。206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxJsmP4PK1T
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。206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMwACCQnzkc
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb2WHBL7rCb
「Simon，你再考慮清楚先。」206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYNUPLK3h3M
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW6aWGwbfXQ
「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。206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS6XKjFaRmD
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy8CooOefQk
「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。206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiucF4Karxl
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1MbZYUYcSO
然而，Tim的妻子的說詞卻是不一。206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKWMaTY5JON
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYLqoXIkxyV
「其實我都覺得住近啲好⋯⋯大家有個照應。」206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQH4ihOEI3H
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnQ4CZsTpp3
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。」206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI1oUYiM8Zb
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS6I3V5P5Ok
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。206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRyyirn1vyz
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBWBVIkfKB2
富不過三代，但窮絕對可以，是一種惡性循環。206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaJeGFH6iEn
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGtyS1Re4Gj
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？206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡruSsHLdDKu
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwovvjKTSFq
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。」206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvTwRxhtidB
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTKABr8LMac
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。206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRzMMrwCzja
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfFVWxUA9IJ
他的目光被空地邊緣的小黃花吸引。206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEvPCot1juI
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDclhLc6qi6
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。206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡODaUotjavA
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRaTC3dvyWp
＊206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUDOV1BUk0n
＊206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLW31HFueq7
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ2xdcwtMBR
Tim捻熄煙蒂，若有所思地攪動杯中的咖啡。206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9m4d90o4B4
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk2zyZw8rzG
「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。」206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcUey7eOAp4
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnwd8Y4nksl
「佢之後開始輸錢？」我並不意外。206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ev5om7gyu
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡERXP3zXj40
輸錢皆因贏錢起，這可是老生常談。206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn6GjnnecVS
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLiEzdG4t6p
「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。」206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡihvw0lAfah
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEKRxOrXfcO
「傳說，你最初勸Simon 唔好買嘅原因？」206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdAXrbcOESI
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjL0VthtTOo
Tim點點頭：「血樹傳說。」206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2UXG2DjnUy
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcdukXNrfil
「What the⋯⋯」Mia說。206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ10ENriFwkb
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡue4sEeLb9k
「fuck？」我補充。206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZE6ZBlZqTB
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3MMt3tCcVl
「女巫與血樹嘅傳說。」206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsu8QbWVXZr
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfI6foWosSa
＊206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFpkPKd1YBl
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbJFJJkzJTp
那是1997年前10月31日，Tim最後一次看到Patricia和小男孩Jack。206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnUbu3rarGU
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv6BXoeveJG
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。206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0JBcn1F4bL
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqcmh4IdnuB
「Patricia，佢又打你？」Tim瞧看Patricia的墨鏡，看見眉角的傷口。206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBP1RTXE1Ie
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDFZ93VXifY
Patricia趕忙搖頭：「唔，係我唔小心撞親。」206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSWNSQ8iWrZ
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhJ7meEYOux
「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。206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9edUMtxuIQ
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRbEKUx7smb
「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。」206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZO3L0o4un
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSiONM6GVsB
「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。」206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA5xGn8iaCL
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYP8f8uCFq5
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。206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ17sX1KosPz
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAiMZj5JhgX
Patricia尷尬地笑道：「Simon好快就冇事。」206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZ0h6kPvrN
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzUfUqtIvqa
「你聽我講，血樹傳說可能係真，嗰塊地係不祥之地。」206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpqqRlIProg
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2TIJRyYX8z
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。206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlRpGKYYzS9
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVnHOknFYuJ
信仰是一把雙面刃，能帶給人們希望，同時也可以是絕望。206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2JgH2RRcaJ
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuBZuAt8LOe
「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。206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFRfmojIa0Z
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4D1tog0vYZ
「討伐女巫！！！將女巫吊死！！！」206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlGydqWAD3s
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWLjgUdjBuS
「燒死可惡嘅女巫！」206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYV2WXCeLM2
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJGr9PqiESW
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。206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpxuCQHlkJG
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡufAmPyl5D3
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。206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRiU6c4c7ab
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo5E31PkZpZ
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。206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrwX0uZXyfb
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUClCjKn8r0
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。206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ19BNOqk5N
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPxLG03WH9c
風吹過，能聽見淒厲的慘叫聲。206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVc5Ru0Xy2q
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAqKgExFoHU
砍進樹幹，流出來的是腥紅的鮮血。206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaBsrQ9JBEC
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtX8aEonGsF
將濕潤的泥土拿上手把玩，殘留強烈的血腥味。206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2nlxVBWwNm
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXehByveM6r
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。206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTrohO1CpgM
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKZSCt4joG9
「Tim，真係唔使擔心我哋。」Patricia握住Tim的手，衷心感謝Tim的關心。206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe3uEgSeKX5
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2rTyXEuXkm
「Jack，過嚟同Tim叔叔講媽媽教你嘅說話。」206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ3VUSC32cK
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ7hmgXpRcr
「知道！」小男孩穿著白色小西裝，跑到Tim的面前。206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4aCUTvLKlV
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb8DmSkEV8M
「The sky is blue⋯⋯」206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKvwqY08xku
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBV8yB6Zdzm
「The grass is green⋯⋯」206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7otWlWnFfR
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSESWe69thK
「May we have our Halloween？」206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6l0cP5JdkX
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ51NttlwI8I
「If not a penny, a ha’penny will do⋯⋯」206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqBUQbWN1qj
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc0wDIMr9Gl
「If not a ha’ penny, then God bless you!」206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5i4I2RtmGp
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGH2ateOqz
男孩Jack 吐舌，乖巧地伸出手。206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3IzHQW9bHb
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFvgEEyGrWM
「Trick or treat？」206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVsfj0GtsEj
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡguck2awyVM
＊206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwI1z3jHdKq
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgIn3L4ZOoc
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。206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1atmQffAqc
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6h2iPVIcDV
Patricia和小男孩Jack正是一直纏著他們的鬼母子！206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOyNpEGTkm0
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDjwgl43P2O
「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。」206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzXOz0oPfqr
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Z9amUNliY
「離奇？」206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlxVZ3iN1HY
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyBBJRHHeyS
「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？」206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0NFk8qEGh0
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpipdnflZsG
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。」206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTdZMeGODHQ
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡknLmF7fyqj
Mia不解地問道：「你點解肯定佢哋死咗？」206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkEMyHATIIV
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZ78jxykTy
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。」206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZjVn5V5Juc
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzwXxyhfFLL
「等等先，我唔係好明白。」我聽得一頭冒水。206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡctHZLKLkhI
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEltGXQjwHK
「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。」206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnc1XjoIjpA
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAhQ80PyxTF
很綠，十分綠。206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq9VAQm14sA
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡopDdZZ39AT
他的綠，比巴西龜、忍者龜和Marvel的變形俠醫都比下去。206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoWMUvkW8S1
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ443FW0PUba
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。」206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkgUcb5N6nR
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTCMhJ0ZWwv
「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。」206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFgq2QTGdUA
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ14XIkAi41I
「佢居然冇自殺？」206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd2Y3lKw97R
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyUrsgap3y6
Mia瞪我一眼，用力踩在我的腳背上。206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡllplFrnD4f
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlFNzVHk67N
「唔好意思。」我聳肩道歉。206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEGFLELnWvE
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhjh4fj22w1
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。」206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQGYYqJVUJB
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5bBbBVIZpB
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。」206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTsm6z7E13G
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKCYGn2Gh9C
這是Tim跟我們說最後一段說話。206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW8HcyWlwvP
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDy6oOl5A0v
＊206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuuHOlrnzi3
