[ 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.'' The young man explained to me. `` It was as if I was seeing the one god we truly do know: a mother's love.'' 
 
 My skepticism kicked in. `` Love? Sounds like some hippy bullshit.'' 
 
 `` Think about it. What is the first thing we see in our lives?'' 
 
 I pondered, but could n't come up with a response quick enough. 
 
 `` Our mother's face.'' He revealed. `` The time we spend as an entity pre-consciously was as an embryo living off of the very flesh of our mother. She is our creator and our savior. When you take it, you are reunited with the love that is the most basic connection in humanity's consciousness.'' 
 
 I could n't take him seriously, and I was n't afraid to tell him. `` So where does love get us? You hippies talk this free love nonsense, and it's completely unrealistic. How does'*Reuniting with the love*' solve anything? How can we love everyone when we're all so awful?'' 
 
 He paused thoughtfully. `` Loving anyone just takes understanding. We all live, and learn different paths to happiness.'' 
 
 `` You still have n't answered my question though. How does love solve anything?'' 
 
 `` Love may or may not solve the world's problems as you understand them. What it will solve is the anguish you feel inside. Once you love and accept everyone for the person that they are, a weight will be lifted from your shoulders, and your happiness will come from within.'' 
 
 I looked at him, and for a moment I wondered how *he* had learned any of this. 

