# MEMORY layer

Cross-session retention. Powered by CORTEX (Meridian's cognitive architecture).

This layer is **not** a place to write giant markdown files. CORTEX handles raw episodic memory automatically through the dream cycle. What lives here are **specialized structured memories** the agent should treat differently from generic chat:

- `decision-logs/` — append-only structured decision memos (decision, alternatives, rationale, owner, date, related stakeholder)
- `relationships/<person>.md` — per-stakeholder relationship memory
- `processes/` — working process memory (decision-making, escalation, recurring rituals)
- `episodic/` — read-only, generated by CORTEX dream cycle from raw conversation memory

Configure CORTEX backend in `cortex.config` (auto-generated by `meridian init` from your `.env`).