The wooden cross that Violeta carves for Torito is an important symbol in the book. She makes it for him on the very first birthday celebration he ever has, with each of their names engraved on either side. It becomes a cherished possession, with Torito always wearing it on his person, and immediately can be seen as a symbol of love and loyalty.

This is reinforced when it becomes the object that helps Violeta identify Torito as one of the deceased in the cave. Torito died in the process of helping Violeta’s son, Juan Martin, escape across national borders; he keeps his promise and gets Juan Martin to safety, but loses his life along the way. Thus, Violeta herself acknowledges how the wooden cross is a symbol of Torito’s love and loyalty, and in turn wears the cross on her person at all times henceforth, as a reminder of this.

Torito’s death also marks an important turning point in Violeta’s life, and thus the literal cross she finds heralds the metaphorical crossroads she faces. Besides directing her life’s purpose in a specific way, the moment also brings her a revelation about Julián’s true character, owing to his involvement in various nefarious activities, including possibly Torito’s death.