This morning I was wondering where the sun was, but then it dawned on me.

Behind the Groan

A Realization at Sunrise

“It dawned on me” normally means that an answer suddenly became clear. Dawn is also the moment morning light appears, so wondering about the missing sun ends at exactly the time the familiar phrase becomes literal. Tell the first half like a genuine, sleepy question and avoid emphasizing “sun.” Pause briefly before “but then,” allowing the listener to expect an explanation. The final phrase can stay completely natural because its ordinary meaning and the sunrise picture arrive together without extra help.