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。212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ408KcIL3SC
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVDENjk5NqK
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。212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Ok26FCcNN
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡshkLAtpqpG
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。212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBC3DfsK2yO
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRc38q2XE4l
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。212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiAB3adY3aJ
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfOLsL71C12
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。212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZi7NyLDHz
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPrHwXZfLKu
樂觀地想，至少我們並沒有送命。212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOte3KWbCzo
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjfjZPAVy3v
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。212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMiJusT9j1b
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWNc8ZKMeT7
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。212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡie2BffQsdB
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc8uwkqNZqi
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？212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh8laIyEwm1
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbpAvJUlyJV
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？212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Bp6fpVZqe
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO360vFEcAM
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。212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiOqPWMI9El
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3YJXsZRLgd
「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。212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgoO3lhb6Rm
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5RVWHlkGQy
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。212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfe74NyXZYm
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsAYz6oMC4M
風鈴再次被風響了。212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHsL5yJxaWO
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQGp9V2v2QI
Mia忽然問道：「Steven，你住嘅呢條街唔算多人慶祝萬聖節。」212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡou4qpKU4tu
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOdOwieXdYX
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。212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡauJJDPKqap
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSo3D6J36th
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。212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6KJGs1fNIV
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi3qfCL3URg
「殺死我！」212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYSWdwKIuHZ
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxH1G7PAsBr
「再快啲！再快啲！我要死喇！」212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3dgdl4rvD4
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡho8aNYOYdM
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。212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0licAGHHve
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH1OIxHZ30i
但，我的性經驗不是重點。212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCzYncd2WmJ
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLEdcyKFklc
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。212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg2CwDnWV7D
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqQOINGIYMy
「可能舊居民冇慶祝節日嘅習慣？」我不怎確定地對Mia解釋。212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUtI26keeWm
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPD6AO1ifVF
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。212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡACF5pT3grF
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡspQSyrwjbo
「大家只係唔慶祝萬聖節。」212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFq9i2I4NEi
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLrHE9F3fz9
轉頭一瞥，我們與Tim的視線剛好對上。212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx0Ue01uekl
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5UXdxxXAU1
Tim是「完全沒有佈置」的一派。212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQzgcYZaUeT
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL0XoiA5MbX
他關掉噏噏震動的剪草機，瞇起眼瞧看陰雲滿佈的天空。212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkbIfpJgbYE
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzt6HHZtstR
「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。212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmwCNDQeXtW
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkfxDAgzpRV
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。212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8NFJ09O4tY
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzOsKRDGYpg
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。212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2rnYFYJMzp
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡplO7fEyYpK
我追問道：「點解大家唔慶祝萬聖節？係唔係怕啲咩？」212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFDJN0C0fUw
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgGBGz05wQq
「你哋還好？」Tim停雨腳步，神色複雜地回望我們。212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzo1z8Vgetr
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGpNuq5tgec
我沒有回答他的問題，直勾勾地看著他。212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkmOEKaqRXQ
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPmc0ebOs5N
Mia說道：「我哋想知道『萬聖節』嘅事。」212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrY3oO7jQGu
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQy2B8pOP2
Tim低吟兩秒，應道：「如果你哋唔趕時間，入嚟飲杯咖啡吧。」212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8WZoH7w8M6
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0IhRy7AGPx
如是者，Mia和我在Tim的邀請下到他的家作客。212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1OppRqbbht
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuv3F3DkWlc
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。212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXxmd7iWcvU
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSHjV8kB4nS
窗戶外下起毛毛細雨，窗台上的花瓶，插著一束白花。212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVv9vA2uzOM
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLcoXS051P1
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。212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpcEgfRgAPU
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRWKknYz7lM
嗒，嗒。212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8yMtr2qriM
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKEj0Wi1rrq
「Come on，you little shit⋯⋯」Tim 抱怨兩句後，爐頭亮起火光。212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYKoLl6mNuo
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ijaov7NAZ
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。212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMKcoppMoy6
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLzwS3fGOWe
一家四口的全家幅。212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiK0ZLnamyQ
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCXkz63FlpJ
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。212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2cL83ucOI2
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQN5M3sv1cg
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。212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo3tkyltK42
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqeGyqNuMm6
「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。212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHxGiC3AWVr
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeAj53BaNpp
「唔好意思。」 我尷尬一笑。212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQstKuKRFMu
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡch4SLRj9DL
「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？」212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX9vSdhWC87
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqgVgWFBZkq
「因為見到你哋屋企冇萬聖節裝飾。」212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3vrMCIz7dd
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡneau3TEO7n
「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。」212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYOV4XxH2JS
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM3eZ33atsF
「宗教信仰？」212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKV1kNULQf1
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRPwfhIswWw
Tim 搖了搖頭。212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZrE2k8kiLp
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2twIi58Oqy
「你哋無對佢哋解釋？」212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡufu11VbbWX
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd4Thq28vLL
「冇人願意提，而且有啲事知得愈少愈好。」212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbKiF3Nypxc
「但你同我哋講嘅原因係？」Mia疑惑。212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRnwWrlXVYB
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5cXNoPr1E4
「因為我想搵後生女仔陪我呢個大叔傾計解悶囉，嘿嘿。」212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtJmaQhdYTJ
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ZEJRY1Z96
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。212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ59sw1gb4xg
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPfjgiKIDiw
「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』？」212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTM1eNGE0VZ
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbuQWUhT0qN
Tim口中的「他們」顯然指那對鬼母子！212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNBKnNcHFzp
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLrzuQDZXMw
我和Mia不約而同點頭。212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjpqMlQCwm1
「你知道佢哋存在？」212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX7VQaGBHN7
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjDBF0zmGmQ
「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。」212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpRfpaSrYJP
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoxY0BQVM1Y
「唔係每一年？」212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsOEfJJQcl3
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuwjuOemByH
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。」212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPqjgq04XkF
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtm91bpWW5l
「所以你都見過？」212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSf5kUvMyyS
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPZnA5J6Pq8
「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。212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3alMougs92
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE88kRXd6BX
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⋯⋯212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF6hIh6cw1d
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk7NWDnPLjn
＊212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUeKkdAXZnn
＊212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1hAE9BCTk0
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRER3o2Gh9A
嚓。212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLGp7yzL46x
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ52iBg3qJC0
「喔，唔該唔該。」Tim輕拍遞上火機的手示意。212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXKKu0mBvH5
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2L2dxzMjAW
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。212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2zwwogmGZK
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmBAiXuQN1N
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEmKZYdUwq6
這個壞男人叫Simon，這個故事不能或缺的男主角 。212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyfeoAQ5gGk
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8y8BbMxv4O
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。212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdUQXWJOdJt
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIi8PI3Og6Y
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。212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcBEyacAJcj
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7z3itXQbd8
Patricia沒有大小姐脾氣，是一個賢淑的妻子，也是一個好母親。212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYbB4JZngyc
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk2cM0sUmSD
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。212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKtkjBI8Bee
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsadCardKGX
跟一般當地人一樣，他們在假日經常聚會，因此。212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEDWYRUcCVK
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtlhwflpZ1T
「係喇，我之前見到Patricia⋯⋯佢塊面瘀咗，唔會係你打佢吧？」Tim試探道。212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWv6XdSrcol
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDD4HFSlbsL
Simon呼出一口煙：「唔關我事，佢自己唔小心跌親。」212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn2fGB8OdQB
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK5X7W2oq5R
Tim看到對方迴避自己的目光，頓時心裡有數。212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMiEsYG2qMP
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAthasRk6rc
「今次輸幾多錢？」212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDSpIrGCD46
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnfsnoR03Tj
Simon聞言，露出一抹笑容，彷彿一直在等Tim這句話。212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoCKTmL3aUh
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx4J6blGFUf
「兩千鎊。」212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnbNn5taBa5
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpCP9VvCeOK
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。212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvTdOZVbCpB
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ83GreEXqfV
「最後一次，唔好再拎去賭。自從你搬咗去嗰間屋⋯⋯」212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡigQyFQKxuw
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMApVjhTm9y
「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。」212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Ama1aJsT2
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPh9goFUGEL
這是1997年，萬聖節前的一個星期。212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqNba9YN2lF
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。212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxfomMIDuGI
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA2AcJYM5Qf
「Simon，你再考慮清楚先。」212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡghUQmj4Le0
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQuVF2YB5z3
「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。212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmDHsIA520u
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS8nR02bSb6
「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。212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSrUgfhTSW2
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaey5jq5GJd
然而，Tim的妻子的說詞卻是不一。212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡixSkKkfzLQ
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXToBDwXZnD
「其實我都覺得住近啲好⋯⋯大家有個照應。」212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2s5XLunfPy
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQM1CJZzKlb
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。」212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ51zsMcEdUp
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiVg1wAM3jU
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。212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOANQ8Tyg0I
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1QQ8ffRAjT
富不過三代，但窮絕對可以，是一種惡性循環。212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI4OjB0IXS1
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8lBuAaXrbp
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？212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡve1zDF8fwR
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwDsttis6sV
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。」212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNSGNpokZpk
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBLQASEtrsq
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。212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoNYepnWCyS
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1bTuE2VRzn
他的目光被空地邊緣的小黃花吸引。212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkcgdMV4SHh
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3zdbN4cHAK
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。212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJfpDEs1agI
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHQNm5xYfub
＊212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ4NnOTJf0f
＊212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf0NZhgkkuF
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYrb4wDcVqZ
Tim捻熄煙蒂，若有所思地攪動杯中的咖啡。212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzwIxNUeAi1
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYe1jy9yhxE
「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。」212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPDASsSbv7Y
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPeKblgTmZt
「佢之後開始輸錢？」我並不意外。212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxKvoDX4Hpk
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqFHnOzosvT
輸錢皆因贏錢起，這可是老生常談。212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY7l0H64KJZ
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDbILhdjg2p
「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。」212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYH3LiZSrVk
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX25tJojCDL
「傳說，你最初勸Simon 唔好買嘅原因？」212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkpko2KdRLE
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJr32Yw1H3q
Tim點點頭：「血樹傳說。」212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRkWKcZDf4H
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXpp5969m06
「What the⋯⋯」Mia說。212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPsl5hy7VDL
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmVeV3o1CBN
「fuck？」我補充。212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7LQKzp7rXR
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3IOO5qAtFg
「女巫與血樹嘅傳說。」212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwkAwnc0T1H
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZvQ816S5s
＊212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw92n91Lh5u
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0atlAvF9Qo
那是1997年前10月31日，Tim最後一次看到Patricia和小男孩Jack。212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvtb13DHMbF
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ13RQMOLJbT
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。212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJTevJpeqr
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi0nXotGuoU
「Patricia，佢又打你？」Tim瞧看Patricia的墨鏡，看見眉角的傷口。212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqbMS3O7WB1
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNikXWnwqAP
Patricia趕忙搖頭：「唔，係我唔小心撞親。」212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlXGJOdKCJv
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSEj9EgC6B7
「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。212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTmjEaLuNT0
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPF6sa9liIm
「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。」212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWXzm5pVfHh
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJBnW4ONqWo
「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。」212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKwl1b72KI2
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1NT5SkEayW
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。212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiDS8w9CMEY
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPX6hwURmHn
Patricia尷尬地笑道：「Simon好快就冇事。」212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpql7QT4AxH
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7cTaspjyrr
「你聽我講，血樹傳說可能係真，嗰塊地係不祥之地。」212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZhTZClNMPm
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7UzRHzGpBo
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。212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSa1JvUCKfn
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvKt6QpA48w
信仰是一把雙面刃，能帶給人們希望，同時也可以是絕望。212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe1UkErTbJ2
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV87Kt6ofZa
「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。212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ui2O8JSXQ
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyOtl0u8OHV
「討伐女巫！！！將女巫吊死！！！」212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzVXLSDEh5L
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlVefbzIoQX
「燒死可惡嘅女巫！」212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBOnBodXD9l
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNNk8mRCmGR
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。212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfDjBSJ7xN6
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcnLbRMWED6
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。212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1TvfAiHeNd
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ze1oC1AQL
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。212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcR5317m5vK
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt9XYNIXbJI
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。212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXfSC4m3tfw
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnY0XxqkuAu
風吹過，能聽見淒厲的慘叫聲。212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJNDCBfBMdN
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcXDa0y4Ggc
砍進樹幹，流出來的是腥紅的鮮血。212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ75dZsyZhqJ
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaUty1nFk9n
將濕潤的泥土拿上手把玩，殘留強烈的血腥味。212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmNII9kqnnE
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbGAeA2O8ul
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。212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeKZNpu4SfX
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ikYQ1cA7v
「Tim，真係唔使擔心我哋。」Patricia握住Tim的手，衷心感謝Tim的關心。212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8HtXie6H6x
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRSMIKzCmmj
「Jack，過嚟同Tim叔叔講媽媽教你嘅說話。」212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFG6iLR0yhL
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoipi9JpTnD
「知道！」小男孩穿著白色小西裝，跑到Tim的面前。212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjZlJSuUj8c
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMu2XtlgasU
「The sky is blue⋯⋯」212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbQ90KIALMp
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNPo5OfzPYK
「The grass is green⋯⋯」212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOvpJIkTdgB
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl5wdFUXd2a
「May we have our Halloween？」212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmTbmAqjjQ
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgu33DDGagc
「If not a penny, a ha’penny will do⋯⋯」212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuu2L1ErM6I
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5I2NYZZ1oK
「If not a ha’ penny, then God bless you!」212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMnV1xrjdhw
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnfSzJTJHvg
男孩Jack 吐舌，乖巧地伸出手。212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0KbhtnDFUM
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEbTST5Ndwk
「Trick or treat？」212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRQliiXFsRJ
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtDjtDKI41j
＊212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLMlP2q8zm6
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1L7EgLscCo
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。212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGjggjk41Gp
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXQIj0ajYB7
Patricia和小男孩Jack正是一直纏著他們的鬼母子！212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk5zsAB7Awa
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzlP6uzdG6T
「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。」212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVoWojsDkBr
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGyxdoDdSLq
「離奇？」212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOA3wslHnnD
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa0ihuR2QJN
「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？」212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRYYnyd6OdM
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeEoxOCWOd5
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。」212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbzQ0Dkx6Lc
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZWdqjYmtmK
Mia不解地問道：「你點解肯定佢哋死咗？」212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyDoqttnXax
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWrIg81EliD
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。」212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIdAfdBNR27
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMNMisUcp40
「等等先，我唔係好明白。」我聽得一頭冒水。212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡErsSLyWX7a
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSbPG4UUjPd
「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。」212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0jeborMYSp
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡroQBfjTcaw
很綠，十分綠。212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe6Irm7CzTI
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM1YUf1lZEH
他的綠，比巴西龜、忍者龜和Marvel的變形俠醫都比下去。212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9c2ZRDpvCJ
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrg6KT2O4u6
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。」212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6PCPaYMWsl
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbttujcCH3w
「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。」212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqh5hPEPHtK
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO3InFKFg6e
「佢居然冇自殺？」212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdPlZfsx55T
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZorKtYG3V
Mia瞪我一眼，用力踩在我的腳背上。212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW2DeuLBOM1
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtvOFxxYkwC
「唔好意思。」我聳肩道歉。212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6YFGmwHYMo
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5y0tJMTYxP
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。」212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjA43eBlpRm
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxqJAPUVoZh
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。」212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS4L8SCDRqy
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ14GoVQwxfC
這是Tim跟我們說最後一段說話。212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQhNa6FiMsb
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlMQoGDY29T
＊212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJHlbpGaKeY
