Being on this boat doesn’t feel the same. The old man has been with me for ages, he taught me how to fish since 5 years old. I remember it all even to today. This guy I’m on the boat with is just too strict. Getting up so early in the morning, I just need more sleep. I didn’t have to do that with the Santiago. I wonder how he is getting along today, he said that the 85th day is a lucky day. If he believes that, then I do too. When I think of it again, he didn’t come home yesterday. I guess that means he has found something good. Problem is that he is on his own, if only I was there to help. He could have found a big fish or those dentusos. Something that would also help is if this guy on the boat would stop drinking all the water. He leaves me just a drop. I just wanna shout at this guy but it’s always the same argument over and over again. ‘Oi, what are you looking at?’ The man said as I was giving him an angry look. ‘I saw a fish jump out the water behind you. I wasn’t looking at you.’ I said. ‘Sure,’ The man said sarcastically. ‘Just go catch some fish.’ ‘At least I can actually catch fish.’ I whispered under my breath. Luckily he didn’t hear that.
It’s barely been anytime since we set sail and there’s a huge school of fish over there. I can see small dark figures swimming about. Hopefully there is a big fish lurking around. This truly is a lucky boat if there is one nearby but it isn’t as exciting catching fish without the old man. He always sounds so cheerful and praises my skill. Then I would say everytime that it is because him I am so skilled.
Did the line just wobble? It seemed very light. I don’t really want those tiny fish, they are not worth much and not a challenge. Perhaps if I can catch some huge fish dad will let me go on Santiago’s boat for once. The sad thing is that is never happening. ‘What are you doing! Look at the line instead of dreaming!’ The man said next to me. ‘Yeah, yeah.’ I said. It is really pulling now, better get hold of that before he has a go at me again. ‘Pull kid!’ The man shouted at me. I get both of my hands and start to pull up the line. I could see the fish getting closer in the water as more and more line covers the boat floor. The fish splashes out of the water. It is flopping about on the hook to try and get off. ‘It is pointless fish. The hook has already pierced you.’ I said. Might just eat this one, got some good flesh. I remember getting taught how to cut these fish the best way. Slice the head, tail and down the middle where the spine is. I turn to see the man struggling with his line. I should probably help him, otherwise I will get shouted at. As I reach for his line I stumble backwards. The boat tilted back and forth. I hear a huge splash. I realise that the man is not on the boat anymore and look over the side to find him struggling in the water. ‘You ok? That must have been a huge fish’ I said. I wanted to mock him that he wasn’t strong but I knew I shouldn’t. At least there was not any sharks, there usually are around these waters. The only thing I don’t want to find are sharks, there were plenty of those yesterday. They are not scary anymore but still, they’re such a pain to deal with.
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