After reading pages 30-50, I am starting to really like this book. It is kind of sad to me how the old man just goes out by himself. When I read the passage:

I wish I had the boy. To help me and to see this. No one should be alone in their old age, he thought. But it is unavoidable.

My heart melted. He misses having the companionship of the boy, and he is right. No one should have to be alone in their old age, especially doing a job such as his. It also seems, by the conversation the book shows between the old man and the boy, that they make a good team. They complement each other well, and seem to really enjoy each others company.