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

`` At first it was shocking,'' I said to Joe as we were walking to work one morning. `` But then it became normal.'' 
 
 `` I know, right?'' responded Joe, shaking his head. `` Superheroes were something you read in comic books and watched on TV. Now, you're lucky if you can walk down the road without-'' 
 
 `` Hold up,'' I interrupted, raising a hand and peering down a few blocks. `` Looks like Fifth Avenue is blocked.'' 
 
 `` Great,'' said Joe. `` Must be another battle. Remember when our worst problem was construction?'' 
 
 I let out a chuckle. `` Yeah, now we have to worry about super-powered battles *and* construction.'' 
 
 Joe nudged me on the shoulder. `` Want to stop for a coffee?'' he asked, pointing to a small cafe on our right. We sat down on some outdoor chairs and placed an order with a cute waitress that met us there with a smile. 
 
 An evil maniacal laugh could be heard in the distance, followed by loud crashes and screams. 
 
 `` How are things with Debra?'' asked Joe, taking sip of coffee. 
 
 `` Not great,'' I answered. `` I think she wants to break up with me.'' 
 
 `` Gentlemen,'' a burly police officer said, standing over our table. `` It is no longer safe to be here.'' He pointed down the road toward Fifth Avenue. `` There is a meta battle taking place down the road and heading this way.'' 
 
 As I stood up, I pulled my wallet out of my pocket. 
 
 `` No time for that, sir,'' said the officer. `` Please leave for your own safety.'' 
 
 `` Geez,'' cried Joe. `` Let the man pay the poor woman before we leave.'' 
 
 The officer rolled his eyes as I dropped some cash on the table. `` No worries,'' I said. `` We're on our way.'' 
 
 Joe and I strolled back down the road the way we came. Suddenly a tall man wearing a colorful costume catapulted through the air and landed right in front of us. 
 
 `` You OK, bud?'' I asked, as Joe and I helped him up. 
 
 `` Yes, thanks,'' he said, squinting down toward Fifth Avenue. `` You two better get out of the area. Doctor El-'' 
 
 `` Yeah, yeah,'' interrupted Joe. `` We were just leaving.''
