Where were the days where we had annual sleepovers and monthly outings? Taken over by commitments with school, work, National Service and our respective social life. Gone are the days where we were young, carefree and innocent; where our lives revolved around each other and the close-knit cousinhood we had.

And the loss, as sore as it is, hasn't hurt our cousinhood one bit. We may have foregone the annual sleepovers and our outings are now rare, but the togetherness forged over the years has survived petty quarrels and outsiders intent on breaking us up. We have seen each other through tumultuous relationships, bad hair days and ire over the smallest issue; yet we remain as strong as ever.

Yes, those young, carefree and innocent days may be gone; lost in the jungle of fond memories but our cousinhood remain strong and with each year, we see each other through more harrowing experiences that strengthen our bond further. A bond that, God willing, will last and see us through the different phases of our lives.

This was us... then (L-R): Abang Redza, Farhan, Irdawathy, Andrea, Adin and Khairul.