We used to be so close as children. Each time I went back to my parents’ hometown, we would play together. He used to do a lot of Michael Jackson impersonations (the funny kind).

We jumped on our grandparents’ bed together when they weren’t looking. He was one of my favourite cousins.

I enjoyed myself a lot and always wanted to stay a little longer. Or even stay there forever.

But we always had to pack up and go home after a week or two.

This went on until I was about 10 years old.

Then we grew up.

A few years later, he got his girlfriend pregnant and had a shotgun marriage.

On and off, my uncle would tell my dad about my cousin doing drugs.

In the back of my mind, I always wondered, ‘What happened?’

How could someone so loving and fun become someone I could hardly recognise?

His eldest is a pre-teen now.

And today, his dad called my dad and told him he’s in jail. Apparently for assault.

I miss the old him. But honestly, I just wish there was something I could do right now to help him.