Matthew Bockholt created a discussion in Weekly Writing Prompt:

02-25-25 WRITING PROMPT SUBMISSIONS

Matthew Bockholt

Prompt: First contact with an alien species. Describe an incredibly non-earthly lifeform! Max Words: 150 POV: Writer’s Choice Tense: Writer’s Choice Challenge: Forbidden words (any tense): ugly, large, big, long, small, short, weird, strange, bizarre, odd

The ugly, odd, large bug that was too big for the stroller it was trying to occupy, spit out a long snout-full of pus and then gazed at the woman who leaned in to coo at his carriage. He let out a short beep and waved his antennas in a strange motion. She shrieked and nearly collided with the short poodle passing her. I never would’ve thought to see an earthling here among us. It was so bizarre. But then, strange things happen out here in Galaxy OGX. Not to mention when I found an earworm down the gutter. They don’t belong there! Anyone knows they belong on a paddle boat.

The earthling turned to me for help, saw my orange complexion and darted off down the walkway. I was merely going to suggest she take gate 9 to the Milky Way galaxy. Instead, for my efforts, she splashed my coffee over the front of me.