The Haunted House

Why, in a haunted house, do we scream? We know that the monsters are mechanized. We know that the bumps are all oversized. We know things are not what they seem. Why, in that haunted house, do we chuckle? We’re bombarded with bright lights, loud screams, thumps and bumps; we imagine extremes but know it’s all fake as we grip the belt buckle. Why, in our own home, when we hear creaking, don’t we cry or guffaw, but instead we tiptoe, gasp and believe the undead and the zombified trespasser come softly sneaking. Why, when the horror and terror aren’t real, Do we shriek with delight, while thrilled to the bone? Why, when we know that we’re really alone, Are panic and dread the emotions we feel?