Start with what actually happened. Not the polished version. Not the version that makes sense yet. Just the thing itself: the bird was missing, the dog cried in his sleep, the candle guttered sideways, I woke up with my throat tight and no idea why.

Then let the meaning arrive like it has muddy paws. What did the body notice before the mind could explain it? What repeated? What felt too sharp, too quiet, too familiar?

End with the small truth. Not the grand conclusion. The thing you can carry. Example: I am allowed to close the door. I am not evidence against myself. The hound must still be fed.