That afternoon, Malika arrived at Asina’s cottage with a small overnight bag in hand. Asina was already waiting outside and hurried over the moment she saw her.

After settling in, the cousins spent some time exploring the property. They wandered through the garden, picked a few flowers, and stopped occasionally to take photos together. Later, they returned indoors and baked a simple cake, laughing whenever one of them forgot a step in the recipe.

Once the cake was finished, they sat near the window with tea and slices of their slightly uneven creation. The conversation drifted from childhood memories to stories about family members they had not seen in a while.

As the afternoon turned into evening, Malika’s phone began to ring. It was a video call from her father.

“Habibti. How’s your day going?”

“It’s been nice, Dad. I’m spending the day with Asina.”

Malika briefly turned the camera so he could greet Asina. Her father seemed pleased to see the two cousins together and reminded them to enjoy their time before ending the call with a smile.

Afterward, Malika and Asina moved to the living room and spent the next hour looking through old family photos. Some brought back happy memories, while others left them wondering what had happened to relatives they had not seen in years.

By the time night arrived, the cottage was lit only by a few lamps and the moonlight outside the windows. The cousins continued talking, occasionally laughing at old stories, grateful for a day that had passed far too quickly.