BROKEN VOWS

Chapter Nineteen. OH MOTHER!

Hunter's POV.

Procrastination's insidious grip had Hunter in its grasp, and it was suffocating his resolve. He stood amidst the familiar clutter of his sister's old belongings, his mind seesawing between determination and doubt. The promise he'd made to her still echoed in his mind - a vow to never forget her and to strive for a better, happier life.

Yet, as he gazed upon the remnants of her presence, Hunter's conviction wavered. The memories attached to each item seemed to whisper "not yet," and he found himself repeatedly postponing the inevitable. Donating her belongings to charity had seemed like a crucial step toward healing and moving forward, but now it felt like a betrayal.

As the hours ticked by, Hunter's indecision only intensified, trapping him in a cycle of guilt and regret. The weight of his unfulfilled promise threatened to crush him, and he knew he couldn't delay the inevitable forever. But for now, the pain of letting go seemed too overwhelming to bear.

Today marked a turning point. With a newfound sense of determination, Hunter stood amidst the cluttered storage room, surrounded by the eclectic treasures his sister had amassed over the years. The air was thick with memories, each item a tangible reminder of her quirky spirit. As he sifted through boxes and boxes of peculiar-looking objects, a sense of nostalgia washed over him.

His eyes landed on a uniquely colored box, its compact size a stark contrast to the larger containers that flanked it. Yet, despite its diminutive stature, the box bore his sister's initials, proudly declaring its ownership. Hunter's curiosity was piqued as he lifted the lid, revealing a treasure trove of memories within.

Among the contents, one item caught his eye: a delicate drawing, its lines and curves a testament to his sister's artistic flair. The word "adventure" was inscribed in bold, cursive letters, as if beckoning him to embark on a new journey. Hunter's fingers brushed against the paper, the gentle touch stirring a mix of emotions within him.

Hunter's eyes narrowed as he studied the drawing, his mind whirling with questions. His younger sister had always been a whirlwind of enthusiasm, but painting had never been her passion. Had she secretly developed a love for drawing and painting without him noticing? The possibility lingered until his gaze fell upon the initials "K.R.W" inscribed on the opposite side of the drawing.

In an instant, the puzzle pieces fell into place. This box didn't belong to his sister; it was his aunt's treasure trove. The drawing, with its bold lines and vibrant colors, was undoubtedly her handiwork. Memories of his childhood came flooding back, recalling the countless hours he'd spent watching his aunt bring her imagination to life through art. Her passion had been infectious, and he'd often sit beside her, mesmerized by the way her pencils danced across the paper, leaving behind a trail of beauty and creativity. The familiar initials, "K.R.W", had been a hallmark of her creations, a signature that seemed to whisper stories of their own.

As he gently set the drawing aside, a warm smile spread across Hunter's face. With renewed curiosity, he delved deeper into the box, uncovering a treasure trove of eclectic items. Yellowed maps, creased and worn from years of handling, lay alongside eerie figurines that seemed to hold secrets of their own. Canvases, both finished and unfinished, leaned against the sides of the box, while paintbrushes of various sizes and shapes lay scattered, as if waiting for their creator's return. Incomplete sketches, some mere whispers of ideas, others fully realized, added to the sense of discovery.