La Llorona, or the weeping woman, is a folkloric ghost who drowns her children to punish her cheating husband, but immediately regrets it, and wails to express that emotion. This story of regret is exemplified twice in Cisneros’ story, first with the mention of La Llorona and also with Juan Pedro. The actions of Juan Pedro following the first time he hurts Cleófilas, with his “tears of repentance and shame” showcase a similar reaction to La Llorona (Cisneros 223). This connection creates a parallel between Juan Pedro and La Llorona. They both commit acts of violence, feel a sense of shame, yet continue to hurt others. The connection between these two illustrates the perpetuation of violence, especially gendered violence. The vicious cycle of violence is further enforced by the cyclical nature of the stream. Always moving, never changing.

These stories and images are the tools that Cisneros uses to critique the entrenched nature of domestic violence. It is interesting to note that at the end of the story when Felice breaks Cleófilas out of the her violent home, she screams when they cross the bridge over the creek. Felice exemplifies the hollering woman, but this time, it is a cry of freedom and power. The cycle of violence and damage and regret is broken by a women who screams of power and liberty. The screams begin as pain, and end as hope. This cycle becomes something different, it transitions from a cycle of violence to one of new beginnings. This showcases how women can break cycles of violence, and can help others do the same.