In a short story, I am often most interested in the pauses. A breath before someone speaks, an empty chair or a glance that lasts beyond a sentence can say more than the event itself. My first notes are less about individual scenes than about where the story needs room to slow down.
Then I imagine those small moments side by side. Leaving some spaces open, rather than filling every one, helps the story find its voice. The audience does not need to know everything immediately; a question left hanging can be part of the rhythm. For me, a strong opening makes the next sentence feel worth listening to.
