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。187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlLyBVvubnZ
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWrvUf7qE80
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。187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡstkjgwGmU4
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk29ytIGujX
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。187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdGgYyyVa5r
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡudIlt7FrEt
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。187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9SpL54IY65
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl8oGo2b7LY
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。187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAR7m05Tg6G
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhqeV5yYott
樂觀地想，至少我們並沒有送命。187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm2gDVnbMA0
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvCA1I1xWuZ
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。187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvR21q5oJQr
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZj9Ajn5w3
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。187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxSDFqNhPPE
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtV0paiRiXg
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？187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡscd3mMIDrj
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE6PbZNUHAh
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？187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI9BcvwxhmS
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvRDAEqeJvM
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。187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6co2LxUHtc
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXeys074tpf
「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。187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFqd7ZImVFr
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ1Dbi3FGYJ
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。187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT1JuLrQMtG
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvTSKiW0EAS
風鈴再次被風響了。187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh41CyzgR9H
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKdbUrrkONi
Mia忽然問道：「Steven，你住嘅呢條街唔算多人慶祝萬聖節。」187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQC7YKkbvEu
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtVUTHWmoMC
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。187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8lWkL6jJsd
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5lVTehzAaH
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。187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSBu5hpxyNR
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWARV6GrOdm
「殺死我！」187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg5YbWfYwtq
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMSaZlvSkbC
「再快啲！再快啲！我要死喇！」187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLd7HNTy9SX
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ndJKWtw0Q
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。187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFsarlTE1uf
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDsPtG7cBQN
但，我的性經驗不是重點。187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrUAnATJo27
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8RSCtsqnbz
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。187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhDfxmExMNE
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR2nhuqOCOv
「可能舊居民冇慶祝節日嘅習慣？」我不怎確定地對Mia解釋。187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcNs6N6uC7x
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOiTbdyMYPD
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。187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOiaLgbqnBz
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOd0jlvsThj
「大家只係唔慶祝萬聖節。」187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLGLprGbrzo
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn1wMetGn7I
轉頭一瞥，我們與Tim的視線剛好對上。187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGPbSmIjAKS
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLbMf1ycNqo
Tim是「完全沒有佈置」的一派。187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHPqgum743r
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5VYp8Jh4SM
他關掉噏噏震動的剪草機，瞇起眼瞧看陰雲滿佈的天空。187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs6eqFUt0P0
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwWS2fXk5Pz
「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。187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdN3eBbNYSg
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqjer6jrjB7
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。187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXDUVaiySju
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3kUD3ZQfMB
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。187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHkHfAuRojg
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL35lcPPO3R
我追問道：「點解大家唔慶祝萬聖節？係唔係怕啲咩？」187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzCsg7BABXE
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbATAku8VnW
「你哋還好？」Tim停雨腳步，神色複雜地回望我們。187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ89BTi8rGsB
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRvnko9M4rh
我沒有回答他的問題，直勾勾地看著他。187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn7Wv5QSX7S
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiV3iusblvM
Mia說道：「我哋想知道『萬聖節』嘅事。」187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡooDfBUkc7c
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVblvGCCXwo
Tim低吟兩秒，應道：「如果你哋唔趕時間，入嚟飲杯咖啡吧。」187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTMtev5eZcX
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAtrObIQYue
如是者，Mia和我在Tim的邀請下到他的家作客。187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo2JODotmGr
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRJttZbj0ku
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。187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsDnbDoY6pL
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡimJWLBLBEu
窗戶外下起毛毛細雨，窗台上的花瓶，插著一束白花。187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRDo4YL4PaE
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaNRgzYuRQ0
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。187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIU3xyYw3kz
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxNOu3DPUax
嗒，嗒。187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmjBW15GZkB
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ZojwxJBim
「Come on，you little shit⋯⋯」Tim 抱怨兩句後，爐頭亮起火光。187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2VR1MzA5u4
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6hHmCcE1eK
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。187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz3mrKczDHA
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCywbyzKj91
一家四口的全家幅。187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyVuir5gTe1
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡajUFTSDvZ0
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。187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh7WptSmmwW
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmezN5JrkFa
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。187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ34JQZoJ8lZ
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgqD6XmXWev
「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。187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCpjIDYJTce
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRQFQFOt3BR
「唔好意思。」 我尷尬一笑。187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5yDjPVIuL6
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡULlK6HASbV
「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？」187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs51Cb7sMfW
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLriyyEoKyy
「因為見到你哋屋企冇萬聖節裝飾。」187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwK9xqvWUeq
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5zZSl8BsC3
「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。」187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ93O5idiumH
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡizx4LslwMD
「宗教信仰？」187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZzUKOk2rZ8
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡABuwAqxtpF
Tim 搖了搖頭。187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwY8xfK4WiF
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQI2JJithOI
「你哋無對佢哋解釋？」187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoX0S3tQoh2
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxLkXeX11TP
「冇人願意提，而且有啲事知得愈少愈好。」187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTfaX3DStFz
「但你同我哋講嘅原因係？」Mia疑惑。187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkYJGetpERB
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkqFTYo2gLR
「因為我想搵後生女仔陪我呢個大叔傾計解悶囉，嘿嘿。」187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡepuNtjVEuc
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdvD5g5OUVL
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。187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5IJwhFGsQf
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡay6seIgPhy
「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』？」187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡri7EQ13BNq
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaSX8g4AM4v
Tim口中的「他們」顯然指那對鬼母子！187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2x99dEBQ3V
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTNxfyVqsqM
我和Mia不約而同點頭。187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Lcl1O2Bcy
「你知道佢哋存在？」187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOPTOL4fwrM
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrwbuXZwDx8
「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。」187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ72D1OJx4lY
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaKi6S3Kz1U
「唔係每一年？」187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDm7IZUpaGU
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW6MGZimCUW
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。」187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsbyBjgzInS
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF1d65aVYEk
「所以你都見過？」187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyZO7UmEngG
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiRVAalQvUo
「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。187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI8Ywd07PCb
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSAJgRzAP2p
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⋯⋯187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUPaoHdWd7Z
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7zcLLCg2b9
＊187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjymBlTBzvo
＊187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAStsIRqbxY
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡApmz255J2B
嚓。187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLRkErWXFAm
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBDLwyWrRAS
「喔，唔該唔該。」Tim輕拍遞上火機的手示意。187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaCRs3xLxry
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzgSCtzzDI6
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。187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvy11d8z76I
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpGTRXfAZ5E
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwZRWvoUGIs
這個壞男人叫Simon，這個故事不能或缺的男主角 。187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5XaCi2Dyzm
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2N8FbPmz7X
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。187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl7LvxEBkXU
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoRR6eh1xlE
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。187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCNJAkEfJ81
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6WGlb4nv55
Patricia沒有大小姐脾氣，是一個賢淑的妻子，也是一個好母親。187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJMY15Z0Kci
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2NwUZmmyht
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。187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhMUzt7EXuP
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpTSYenQ468
跟一般當地人一樣，他們在假日經常聚會，因此。187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdUIu0DCWE1
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqupRg62fJx
「係喇，我之前見到Patricia⋯⋯佢塊面瘀咗，唔會係你打佢吧？」Tim試探道。187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyCXB6U5Ify
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnhjeidecGe
Simon呼出一口煙：「唔關我事，佢自己唔小心跌親。」187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGnZ320gPOG
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvqAlu4qumH
Tim看到對方迴避自己的目光，頓時心裡有數。187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjpLe8OhOuK
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfGnHy7V8Dc
「今次輸幾多錢？」187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwQL2ryMqd3
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEnBAHkedj6
Simon聞言，露出一抹笑容，彷彿一直在等Tim這句話。187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmFZ8ZLPyV3
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7s838ioQDJ
「兩千鎊。」187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc3MUDpu0rX
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBsxGEdgd28
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。187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKthA8A6cCn
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVg3kPhZHMN
「最後一次，唔好再拎去賭。自從你搬咗去嗰間屋⋯⋯」187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxpAYswPpIy
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPuk4sX552y
「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。」187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpzuL48W5xx
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4CcV0MXeZI
這是1997年，萬聖節前的一個星期。187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlRzalrXzwT
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。187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2zJMylLApb
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDQPnvL8ycQ
「Simon，你再考慮清楚先。」187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnqYxILkBi5
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtRLcS73A0y
「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。187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrMesOrOmxU
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhaDltoxK7R
「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。187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ93wIkVGJ8Y
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ64ZT279ttA
然而，Tim的妻子的說詞卻是不一。187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb47w6uzS2z
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoo9GsZgwM0
「其實我都覺得住近啲好⋯⋯大家有個照應。」187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmmjqPsWQxG
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡexTTNYcNVV
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。」187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZwXDJ0nB04
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHr3hLafmni
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。187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQFsRmnKKGB
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡakRkzbMSOh
富不過三代，但窮絕對可以，是一種惡性循環。187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMrhD5lXzCp
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8a9HrmB34W
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？187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEhbe8gwzPt
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMCn4ZNhPOb
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。」187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2e0zKLdQqf
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4dJxNNqOPg
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。187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKXEtjZCrfK
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvXUQMVNneS
他的目光被空地邊緣的小黃花吸引。187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6BSl00xMIW
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsUENB8d09a
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。187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3sEjibA12E
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ38fDf1tw80
＊187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjeVXU36NOg
＊187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDQ8ItjENVJ
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO2iXfL15p2
Tim捻熄煙蒂，若有所思地攪動杯中的咖啡。187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGIhH11nHU3
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBob9pblkFp
「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。」187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK6QMNd9pmn
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhM80eEyMJi
「佢之後開始輸錢？」我並不意外。187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiB8vWbaHkc
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡesozcMstv3
輸錢皆因贏錢起，這可是老生常談。187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHhmHY16OkP
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwwqTZ53lHu
「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。」187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpChMOA7lGt
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡraRU5RUS5t
「傳說，你最初勸Simon 唔好買嘅原因？」187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR9wkrje0NR
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDDav0QH9xk
Tim點點頭：「血樹傳說。」187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡStujYy7SkW
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkBGtuE0pKD
「What the⋯⋯」Mia說。187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz76vCA7MhH
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJGhJohHjfH
「fuck？」我補充。187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLONnhxFkY
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6O0l7XlUMk
「女巫與血樹嘅傳說。」187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYyKmRaJQq4
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz1APzHse6X
＊187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKYsDS2ZDK6
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuLUvwLfyYl
那是1997年前10月31日，Tim最後一次看到Patricia和小男孩Jack。187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtWn2DvAxfK
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp255TMvWo0
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。187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbhlBQKghnX
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2cnEzGY7Ti
「Patricia，佢又打你？」Tim瞧看Patricia的墨鏡，看見眉角的傷口。187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOEdWfmn0xs
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLkiDXG2GPX
Patricia趕忙搖頭：「唔，係我唔小心撞親。」187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9wgLSEoSWC
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHAwEkuR4QV
「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。187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8mDIhB7xIY
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuoLn8R0gAT
「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。」187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0tZIcy19hC
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrQ33jiKZhH
「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。」187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1LVNAZFGLQ
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Sy6OU8Dqg
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。187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuGog1vM0Ts
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyMpvhg9Qke
Patricia尷尬地笑道：「Simon好快就冇事。」187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTApFtzDtVq
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaOQoRubIOi
「你聽我講，血樹傳說可能係真，嗰塊地係不祥之地。」187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYoTnXLHhkv
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9zuahIUQn9
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。187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvDfuhKWzKE
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuYSyLdB9g1
信仰是一把雙面刃，能帶給人們希望，同時也可以是絕望。187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgbldjQqz8x
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoXWQOICxNF
「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。187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWGI4Ymy70J
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjzHNWq58FZ
「討伐女巫！！！將女巫吊死！！！」187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHdIxJkSXrD
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgNLjbCemxj
「燒死可惡嘅女巫！」187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡubuekpO8RA
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡofSsUbkRBh
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。187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNinYgH7gvU
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDIh7aFeSoT
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。187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuVfjfQR1Gr
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLPkLVJgNWg
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。187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqFLdbeYdON
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjtqkGmTOb1
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。187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDGPXbBQTUa
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1saU6PVGW1
風吹過，能聽見淒厲的慘叫聲。187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnFXeA6lYAR
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0xRyAHS53x
砍進樹幹，流出來的是腥紅的鮮血。187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwoN2lABMCk
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi7xF3oteC6
將濕潤的泥土拿上手把玩，殘留強烈的血腥味。187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFNScdnEtUm
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSuQc2ukJHy
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。187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE1hsSkxUjG
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuvzuKwOgV1
「Tim，真係唔使擔心我哋。」Patricia握住Tim的手，衷心感謝Tim的關心。187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1csm4IxZd7
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjbQvCCJV5z
「Jack，過嚟同Tim叔叔講媽媽教你嘅說話。」187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9dy5UBx6kY
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7XuESj5oHu
「知道！」小男孩穿著白色小西裝，跑到Tim的面前。187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3U6dwZqTFu
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfk0VKzPqW1
「The sky is blue⋯⋯」187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj6lKL8qhlV
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0fskMMyRZw
「The grass is green⋯⋯」187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ4rtUyGh8e
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsoKERgG2KW
「May we have our Halloween？」187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMgFdCvkCnq
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB9gkx3PQ8j
「If not a penny, a ha’penny will do⋯⋯」187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWFFApY5m3g
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqbodP7q504
「If not a ha’ penny, then God bless you!」187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuGX11dFobV
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQFnAj6z4d
男孩Jack 吐舌，乖巧地伸出手。187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDSHOlNScKD
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYZpep2GGqD
「Trick or treat？」187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4fKw7k8qsL
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJRrDnIJS2C
＊187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVvxGDMbIJQ
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdEASUhjyI1
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。187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsoOsLadAAx
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAIrTvg0dJs
Patricia和小男孩Jack正是一直纏著他們的鬼母子！187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkYLqOwRmqr
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTq5OkEkhzG
「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。」187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhqvqpHOddU
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXRRLZieadK
「離奇？」187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrUa2GCFHgT
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIYgOjU73h3
「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？」187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm5uFbAT4iI
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYjop4PrqDd
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。」187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8mMV2e30dv
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOfmX6ZigHp
Mia不解地問道：「你點解肯定佢哋死咗？」187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYmIvSVLk2W
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBvCYsR6ucf
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。」187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpww9BnaKU9
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsHGnrejFOr
「等等先，我唔係好明白。」我聽得一頭冒水。187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt8IWeNxyZH
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9QYby4jj2j
「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。」187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh44fqO7gtV
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8SdDnY6izb
很綠，十分綠。187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxOfofNbeLX
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYo6l9quhjh
他的綠，比巴西龜、忍者龜和Marvel的變形俠醫都比下去。187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfKoU8K0wgM
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ061Oupniqg
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。」187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnHa6ZfLVUT
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsPi8JU240e
「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。」187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD4nwhj0sct
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi9FDTkP8aq
「佢居然冇自殺？」187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV75DkY7eo0
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡenkPPc9AN4
Mia瞪我一眼，用力踩在我的腳背上。187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7EN0fokWZA
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiSuQDUS2SZ
「唔好意思。」我聳肩道歉。187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFnOS7t4ppe
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh2TTcbMgGY
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。」187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡERFmZhYl0D
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRKGpeOTYQQ
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。」187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlMPNjer108
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9l3uS0adlN
這是Tim跟我們說最後一段說話。187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXtKEQpu1Ne
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnVwIraLBtH
＊187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡClmDUwvkxa
然後按「加至主畫面」