Isso poderia ser escolhido ?
Foi publicado em 2008 ou antes, pelo menos há 8 anos, o que é muito próximo de 10.
“Chosen” was the winner in the Sci-Fi/Fantasy category of the 2008 Writer’s Digest Popular Fiction Awards.
Realmente ocorre em um futuro distópico:
The year is 2112 and the global unemployment rate is a staggering 79%. It was believed, though never proven that some had even killed for jobs.
Claro, há um homem que está enterrado no concreto para apoiar um ponte:
The cold concrete rushing in at his feet shocked him. “Oh, God!” “Oh, God!” his brain screamed, over and over. On the monitor, he saw his family. A close-up showed Kenya’s tearstained face – eyes closed, lips moving fervently in prayer.
Then his mind calmed. He was the best of the best – selected for his intelligence and knowledge, physical strength, commitment and concern for his fellow man. He breathed deeply and spread his legs and arms, imagining supporting the bridge that would be built over the Bay, named in his honor. It was at his waist now. His legs were numb from the cold. Soon the weight of the concrete would prevent his chest from moving and he would draw his last breath.
Há definitivamente uma sensação desagradável de "Loteria" em todo o negócio:
A única coisa que realmente não se encaixa é que durante a viagem de limusine, ninguém está realmente dizendo a ele que honra ser escolhida deve ser (eles parecem dizer isso em outro lugar, embora), e eu acredito que a limusine realmente estava dirigindo-o para casa.“Jessiah Douglas, you have passed the test for physical endurance. You excelled in mental ability and intelligence. You topped the list in spiritual commitment and concern for your fellow man. I am proud to announce to the world that You Have Been Chosen!”
During the long limo ride home, the magnitude of his accomplishment finally sank in.
O autor é Beverly Smith-Dawson, e não tenho certeza se a história foi publicada em qualquer antologia.