Decay

by Rob Ulitski

Newly released mental health drug Emotex is on track to help reduce teen suicides in Egglemore County. But on the eve of its national rollout, something goes terribly wrong. A harrowing short story told in a found-footage style format.

Short story available exclusively on Godless.

35 pages, ebook

Published September 16, 2023

About the author

Rob writes visceral, concept-driven horror stories, anchored by complex characters and offbeat narratives.

Born in Portsmouth, UK, Rob received his bachelor of arts in Film Production from the University for the Creative Arts in Farnham. Having trained in filmmaking, and working as a director and producer on everything from music videos to shorts to feature-length anthology films, Rob’s official writing journey started in 2020.

When not writing, he can be found watching cheesy 90s films, baking cakes and haunting local bookstores.

Reviews

[your morbid obsession Minerva🖤 · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️

Modern sci-fi, interactive, gripping, actually realistic.

I gotta say I’m very happy I’ve stumbled upon this author because his work is incredibly moving and fascinating!

Get this on Godless ASAP!!🖤💋

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent found footage style story. The story is told through text and emails. Very original and creepy. Can't wait to check out more of this author's stories.

[Kate Victoria RescueandReading · Rating 4 out of 5]

So brutal!! Eek! I was shocked with each twist, despite it being such a short story. Very interesting concept. The author has quite the imagination.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh, boy, this was an amazing one by Rob Ulitski.

The style of writing, told in the way as a "found footage" story, was absolutely intriguing and addicting.

It's been awhile since I was forced to read a story all in one sitting, but this unique tale with grief had me hooked all the way through!

4/5

[clarke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Certainly my favourite of Rob’s works so far. Rob continues to amaze me with his concepts and his writing, and he did the found-footage genre justice with this one. Absolutely blew it out of the park.

[Guillermo]

This is a partial found-footage type short story/novella: the story is told through traditional prose, email and text messages (as well as a transcript). It was a good story, just wish the author stayed in the found-footage format rather than switching back and forth. Of course, I understand that some of the story could only be told in one way. Also, I wish it was a longer story with more at stake.

[The Yeti Reads and Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotex is the hot new mental health drug on the market. Hoping to reduce teen suicides, things take a horrific turn.


This is my second read of Rob's work, and I have to say I am a big fan. The story has a found footage feel to it, which I absolutely loved. Intense and heartbreaking. A fantastic tale. Check it out!


5 severed fingers out of 5

[M · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a read!

[Z. Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short quick ride straight into despair. This was a very well thought out and unique concept that was excited perfectly. Can’t wait to read more from this author.

[Lia's Haunted Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, I genuinely loved this. The format it’s written in makes it even more interesting. It’s a great and fresh take on death that really stands out.

[Sarahsbookishthoughts · Rating 5 out of 5]

absolutely loved this! found footage horror is my absolute favourite and this was just a perfect example of how it can be achieved in book form, i'm so excited to read more by the author!