The Moment of Clarity in Turbulence
In the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, a couple found love in the midst of chaos.
Justine Larbalestier was an Australian academic researching the history of publishing, while Scott Westerfeld was a science fiction writer in New York.
They met at a literary award ceremony, but it wasn't until they ran into each other at a reading a week later that they started talking.
Their shared interests in science fiction, eggs with hot sauce, bushwalking, and exploring new cities sparked a connection.
Despite seeing other people at the time, they continued to run into each other at science fiction gatherings.
It was at a farewell dinner for Justine's last week in New York that they made eye contact and shared their recent break-ups.
They spent her last weekend in the city together and then months talking on the phone and emailing.
In early September 2001, Scott flew to Sydney to see Justine's city, her family, and her friends.
The harbour was sparkling, and the big local news was a host of flying foxes invading the Royal Botanic Gardens.
However, their romantic getaway was cut short when they heard about the attacks on the World Trade Center.
They were at a restaurant when they learned about the Statue of Liberty exploding, but it was actually the Twin Towers that had been hit.
They tried to call their friends, but reached only overloaded circuits.
Despite the chaos, they boarded a flight to Melbourne the next day, but the flight was turbulent.
It was during this turbulence that Scott realized the gravity of the situation and the uncertainty of their future.
He turned to Justine and said, "I love you."
She replied, "Me too."
Their love was a beacon of hope in a time of uncertainty.
They eventually returned to New York, and Scott's parents met Justine in November.
They eloped upstate without telling their friends and have been together ever since.
A Love Born in Turbulence
The couple's love story is a testament to the power of connection in the face of adversity.
Their shared interests and sense of humour helped them navigate the challenges of the time.
They were able to find comfort and support in each other, even in the midst of chaos.
A Love that Endures
Justine and Scott's love has endured for many years, and they have built a life together.
Their story is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for a brighter future.
They were able to find each other in the midst of turbulence and have been together ever since.
The couple's love story is a testament to the power of human connection and the ability to find love in unexpected places.
The book "The Mortons" by Justine Larbalestier and Scott Westerfeld is available now through Penguin ($AU34.99).
