Authors Scott Westerfeld and Justine Larbalestier have shared their experiences from the immediate aftermath of the September 11, 2001, attacks, which occurred during the early stages of their relationship.
Westerfeld had flown to Sydney in early September 2001 to see Larbalestier. They learned of the attacks on New York City the following morning. Despite the global events, they proceeded with a planned flight to Melbourne on September 13, 2001.
During this flight, which experienced turbulence, Westerfeld expressed his love for Larbalestier. Larbalestier returned to New York in November 2001 to meet Westerfeld's parents, by which time they had already married.