As The Old Man and the Sea begins, we learn that Santiago hasn't caught any fish in eighty-four days. For the first forty days, he had help from an assistant, a young boy named Manolin.

However, after Santiago's unlucky streak continued, Manolin's parents pronounced Santiago salao ("the worst form of unlucky"). Finally, Manolin's father forbid him from fishing with Santiago altogether.

Santiago is sad to see Manolin go but understands. At the end of the day, however, Manolin always comes down to help Santiago bring in his sail, harpoon, and coiled lines. From their conversation together, we learn that Santiago shares a special relationship with Manolin.

After all, Manolin learned how to fish from Santiago. He first went out to sea with Santiago at the tender age of five. Even now, despite their age difference, the two share an easy camaraderie. Manolin offers to come fish with Santiago again, but the old man tells him to stay with his lucky boat.

Manolin reminds the old man that they once went without catching anything for eighty-seven days but then caught big fish each day for three consecutive weeks. Despite Manolin's earnest request to return, Santiago tells the boy to honor his parents' wishes and stay with his "lucky" boat.

Still, Manolin continues to help Santiago in small ways. He often brings food to the old man and insists that he eat it. Manolin tells Santiago that as long as he's alive, Santiago will never go out to sea hungry.