The New Pills is a short horror story told through diary entries, following a patient as an experimental medication gradually changes their body, behaviour, and perception of the world. It explores escalating tension and the use of changing language to reflect the character’s mental deterioration.
The New Pills
June 14
Today, I started my first course of medication. The bosses say it’s supposed to help me. Make me better. Change some of the things that I am, for the better.
It’s supposed to make me happier, and I hope it does.
Once I’m used to it, I should take some time off.
June 17
Feeling much better today. The screaming in my head has stopped.
The doctors say I’m making fantastic progress. I can’t wait to see what else happens.
June 27
After a few good days, I came down with a horrible case of the flu. Puked my guts out for what seemed like hours and couldn’t hold anything down.
The bosses say I must just ride it out.
My eyes and chest feel like they’re constantly on fire.
It hurts.
August 8
I was sick for a while, but I’m much better now.
The bosses want me to start some training to see how my body is reacting to the medication. They’re sending me somewhere I’ve never heard of, but I don’t care. It’ll be nice to get out of my quarters.
August 10
The first bit of training was a success.
The bosses say I’m in peak physical condition and have shown tremendous growth.
Tomorrow I’ll go on a training mission to see how I react to the outside world.
I’ve been looking up the price of bus tickets for my trip.
August 12
Yesterday was another fantastic day.
I feel so much stronger now, physically and mentally. I feel like I can do anything.
I’ve also been getting hungrier, but the bosses say that’s just an increase in my metabolism. A reaction to the pills.
September 1
Went on another mission today.
Had to incapacitate three guys in a house. I wasn’t told why. Just had to do it. The bosses needed to see results.
Something happened, though, and the bosses didn’t seem bothered.
I bit the throat out of one of them guys.
I’m not sure how I feel about it.
Haven’t washed my face yet.
September 4
I couldn’t get the taste of that guy’s blood and muscle out of my mouth.
I washed and rinsed as much as I could. Bought the strongest mouthwash I could find.
Still nothing.
I taste it every time I swallow.
I still pick pieces of him from between my teeth.
September 7
Threw out all the mouthwash and cleaning products today.
I’m used to the taste now.
Nothing makes a difference.
September 14
Sent on a new mission today.
Had to kill some people.
My nose started bleeding.
I tore into all of them.
I ate two of my partners.
Or some of them.
They were good.
I don’t know how to hide this.
It’s good.
I’m good.
I’m happy.
September 30
Bosses kept me in the cell for a few days after I ate Greg and other guy. Don’t remember name.
No loss to any of us.
I’m out now.
They give me new pills.
These don’t make me feel hungry or strong.
They make me tired.
Need to find old pills.
Need them.
October 3
New pills crap.
Old pills best.
Found a stash.
Punish bosses for that.
None alive.
Nose still bleeding.
Good.
They still tasted good raw.
Don’t need a stove.
Building on fire.
Think they’re all dead.
No more screaming.
Going to visit family now.
See outside world again.
I feel happy.
December 24
all are dead