The Book
- Early in the book, the men guarding the posts have been seeing something in the shadows. It turns out to be a puppy, which is brought up to the fire and given something to chew on. It's a nice little moment that shows how, despite the generally terrible situation humanity is in, there is still some kindness in the metro.
The Video Game
- Even though it's a slightly irritating Escort Mission, the mission where Artyom carries a child survivor of Hole Station to safety is adorable because of how much of a Cheerful Child Sasha is. He warns Artyom when enemies are about, tells him about ammo caches and even points out when there one of the One-Hit Kill holes around to avoid. The crowner of Artyom's time with him is when Artyom carries him up a cistern and Sasha is amazed by the sight of the sky. One would think Artyom managed to put the hope that the surface will be reclaimed into that boy. A much better fate than his book counterpart, Oleg. It's only made better by his mother's overjoyed reaction to you bringing him back to her. You can even turn down her reward!
- The game gives you multiple opportunities to be a good person with no tangible in-game benefit, usually by giving people money, which hits twice as hard considering the money is ammo. Early on you need every round you can get your hands on, but it still feels good to give that kid a bullet so he can eat.
- The alternate ending, where Artyom changes his mind about nuking the Dark Ones. It's too bad that it gets ignored in the sequel.
