The Ones Who Walked Away Symbolism

Without a doubt the short story, “The Ones Who Walked Away from Omelas,” hit hard and I wept. It wasn’t just a few mere escaped tears but it was a hearty sob with heartache.
In the beginning, I was really enjoying the story, I like how the author brought me into the story to create my own paradise. “Perhaps it would be best if you imagined it as your own fancy bids, assuming it will rise to the occasion, for certainly I cannot suit you all,” this was a new and a neat maneuver, I had never read a story that wanted the reader to create their own setting.
But like a rollercoaster, my emotions went from a unique high to a crashing fall. My first read I didn’t really comprehend the concept and symbolism but reading just the words brought trifling anger and rage. I would be one of the “Ones Who Walked Away,” I’d like to think that I would be the that would go against all, to gather that baby into my arms and to rescue the poor creature but I do not know what I would do. Which I really don’t enjoy that mix emotion and that leaves me in moral limbo.
The author’s use of adjectives and descriptive words really brought this story to life.
The image of this poor child was immediately formed, in my mind it looked like one of those helpless children from a third-world nation that they show on commercials asking for monthly donations.
I also think the way the author brings the reader into the story not only is fascinating but gives the reader a personal connection to the story so that when the story does takes its twist, it pulls on the heart
strings.
I think this story had the greatest impact on my life because I am a mother and I know that I would sacrifice my life without hesitation for my children. Or maybe because I am a sensitive soul with a great sense of empathy and passion.
Since my initial read, I have now read this story over a dozen times, and I have even listened to it through YouTube audio books. Each time I read and or listen to this story the twist about the child burns my chest and my heart drops. I can’t imagine seeing a child plead for help and his heartbreaking plea with promised good behavior and just walking away, it’s just gut wrenching. I don’t mean to offend anyone here but it baffles me that anyone could be okay with that or convince themselves that this behavior would or could be tolerated because the value of others a happiness.