What comes to my mind while reading this is what is often referred to in paranormal as the "Oz Factor." Your sense of unease and description of dreamlike surrealism seem to fit that possibility.
https://www.encyclopedia.com/science/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/oz-factor
The detail about hearing something like "a lion and a dog boxing" also suggests to me that if you did experience a paranormal encounter it might have been so bizarre that your mind altered the memory slightly to make it more comprehensible. This could be a way of processing something too strange to fully grasp.
You might consider exploring these memories further through hypnotherapy, though there is a potential drawback — a hypnotherapist may unintentionally ask leading questions. I’d be particularly interested to see if under hypnosis you describe that strange patch of dirt differently from how you recall it now, as it seems to be the point where the chain of events began.
Posted using Paranormal Hive
That's such an interesting perspective! And it's the first time I've seen this situation in this way. Thank you 🙏 I hadn't thought that it could by my mind trying to make sense of something so unusual or far from this reality.
The mind is complicatedly complex... this reminds me of cases where traumatic memories of children sometimes get buried unconsciously. As a form of defense mechanism that blocks pain or changes the course of events to make the happenings easier to grasp.
I don't know any local hypnotherapists who could help me, but thanks for suggesting that. I might just start searching. The closest I have done to hypnotherapy is some kind of pre-recorded guided regression, so I feel reassured knowing I've had some experience with it already!
Also, I should have suggested making a report about what you experienced even though it happened years ago. There are groups that investigate the paranormal and there might be one in the area that the school is in. Even though it is a "cold case" there might already be one or more reports about something paranormal occuring at that school. Even if there aren't if someone reports a paranormal experience at the school in the future they'll also have your report to look for any pattern that might exist.
Posted using Paranormal Hive