In what way does the theme of compassion arise within Annushka's story?

The theme of compassion arises when Annushka emerges from her apathetic stupor. For days, she has been riding the subway endlessly around the city, only stopping in order to sleep in a boiler room the woman in rags had shown to her. After days of this trance-like behavior, something draws her above ground and when she sees children her son's age, she is immediately overcome with maternal instinct and tenderness. As she deals with these strong emotions, she witnesses a horse being beaten and feels compelled to stop the abuse, which she does successfully.