Is it permissible to abandon one's paternal aunt for fear of hearing hurtful words, and is the verifiable harm that permits abandonment that which is certain to occur or predominantly likely to occur?

It is not permissible to abandon one's paternal aunt, as she is a close relative (dhat rahim). What has been mentioned does not justify abandoning her, unless it is her habit to cause harm. The harm that permits abandonment is that which is certain or highly probable to occur. Her emotional outbursts can be avoided by carefully choosing words or speaking less, without resorting to impermissible abandonment. The ties of kinship can be maintained through any form of communication.