The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas

The most powerful short story I've read this year. This story perfectly encapsulates what could best be described as utilitarianism. You know, the political theory built on the premise of highest good for the greatest number of people. Just goes to show the paradoxical nature of the theory and I'd go as far as to say that it's an allegory on today's vastly unequal society. Highly descriptive, heavily detailed, not overly dramatic, and just the right kind of suspence. The greatest tale under 10 pages.