how does the boy feel about Santiago

I think their bond is close. Manolin has been forbidden to fish with the old man because he is "salao, truly unlucky". But by the end of the story Manolin decides to continue. Even though Santiago is mocked by the younger fishermen, Manolin sees Santiago as a mentor, even a father figure. He visits the old man in his shack, carries his gear and listens to his stories: Manolin is a true apprentice. In exchange Santiago imparts what secrets he knows about the sea and her many moods