Petronella McGovern's decision to take the Murrays bus to Canberra instead of flying to Perth for a wedding in 1997 led to a life-altering encounter with her future husband, Jamie.This pivotal choice not only shifted her career path but also resulted in raising two children in the national capital.

The article reflects on how small decisions can drastically alter life trajectories, using McGovern's personal story to explore themes of parallel lives and the importance of embracing the present.

Her new novel, Every Time She Wakes, delves into similar concepts through a protagonist who experiences multiple versions of her life after a car crash.

The piece highlights the significance of choices, the impact of serendipity, and the value of reflecting on life's possibilities without dwelling on hypothetical scenarios.

McGovern's narrative underscores the idea that while imagining alternate lives can be thought-provoking, it's essential to appreciate the reality of one's current path.