[ CW ] Start writing a story with these words : `` At first it was shocking , but then it became normal . ''

`` At first it was shocking, but then it became normal'', Albert told everyone who was seated around him. Albert was a recovering alcoholic, much like the others seated in the circle. 
 
 `` I just tried to find things to do to keep my mind off the cravings. Difficult at first, but soon, you know, it just became normal,'' He finished. 
 
 I smiled toward Albert and followed along to the circles clapping. It was my first time at AA and after Albert came me. I cleared my throat and introduced myself. 
 
 `` Hi, I'm Jason'', I said softly. 
 
 The group, as if rehearsed, responded back,'' Hello, Jason''. 
 
 I took a deep breath, leaned forward in the uncomfortable plastic chair I sat on and looked around the circle. I smiled but my eyes stayed stressed. 
 
 `` I'm an alcoholic'', I said, `` I guess I first started to take notice several years back. I would come home from work and start drinking. Whisky and coca cola''. My mouth started to salivate, thinking about the smooth taste, the sound of the ice clinking against the glass and stench of it, a fragrance of kings. I continued, `` Over time drinking after work became drinking before work and soon I was even skipping work''. 
 
 I noticed my hand had started to shake and my throat tighten up. Thoughts of my daughter began to swirl around my head. 
 
 `` My wife'', I said softly, `` she had had enough of me''. I look down toward the floor, my fingers locked together on both hands. 
 
 `` Took her and Sara with her, My daughter''. I began to feel my eyes swell up. I pulled my hand to quickly wipe the tears so hoping anyone would n't notice. The stress was too much, I tell ya, I would have killed for a drink. 
 
 `` I do n't remember them leaving, but I was told I begged for them to stay'', I said, `` I was so drunk, I do n't even fuckin' remember.'' 
 
 Albert placed his hand on my shoulder and said quietly, `` It must be hard, but you'll get better''. 
 
 I wiped another tear out of my eye and smiled. It felt good to be cared about. Like my father, I had never cared about anything but myself but these people seem to really care. 
 
 `` For the next several months all I did was drink'', I told them, `` I even started to sell my belongings so I could afford the habit.'' 
 
 I chuckled at the thought. 
 
 `` It was n't until I woke up one morning with blood on my knuckles and a trashed house that I knew I had a problem''. 
 
 I had remembered clips of that night. Losing control I started punching the bathroom mirror, ripping out the sink, throwing plates, you name it. It was an absolute shit show. 
 
 `` The house was covered with my blood, I stunk of booze and that is when I checked into AA''. 
 
 A short bald guy across the circle said, `` Well, remember, you got friends here pal.'' 
 
 `` The first step in the hardest to take'', A women with short red hair told me. 
 
 I stared back at the circle and felt warmth. All these people took a step forward to get better. I thought if they can do it, then so can I. 
 
 It was nine o'clock which meant it was time to go home. 
 I stood up at my chair, looked around the circle and said,'' So same time next week?'' 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

