Omelas is a beautiful sea side city. All but one of the residents live in perfect happiness - they want for nothing and experience no hardship. This, however, is because there is always one resident - a child - who lives in abject misery. They are terribly neglected and suffer immeasurably. They are afraid of everything that surrounds them. All of the residents know about the child, they begin to be aware of them between the age of 8 to 12. All residents can see the child at any time they wish, and all of the people in Omelas live with full understanding that their happiness is predicated on the child’s suffering. It is possible to leave Omelas, if you wish.