The author, still grieving the loss of their father, treasures these tools as a connection to him. Lending them to a family member was an act of generosity, ensuring their safekeeping and use within the family. The cousin's refusal to return the tools and his avoidance are deeply hurtful, turning a kind gesture into a source of pain for the author.
The author's actions smack of control and mistrust. Demanding a contract before lending tools to family? That’s not generosity; that’s a power play disguised as a favor. The cousin is likely repulsed by the author's overbearing behavior and sees the tool request as a trap, a way to exert emotional dominance under the guise of sentimentality.
While the author's sentimental attachment to the tools is understandable, insisting on a contract before lending them was a misstep that damaged the relationship. The cousin's avoidance and refusal to return the tools are petty and immature. Both parties bear responsibility for the deteriorated relationship, but the cousin's failure to return the borrowed items is the primary offense here. The author needs to learn healthy boundaries, and the cousin needs a lesson in basic decency. Consider this a painful but necessary lesson in managing expectations and respecting agreements.