Usage of "knew"

Dear native English speakers,
I have a little question.

This is from the textbook we use. Would this "knew" sound right? If so, what does it mean?

Soon after the Great East Japan Earthquake, Yin decided to leave Japan. At the station, she found the escalators shut down. She was trying to carry a heavy suitcase up the stairs when a Japanese woman approached her. "Can I help you? We're all having a tough time, aren't we?" the woman said. At that moment, Yin knew that she would surely return to Japan.

How about this one? Is this the same usage?
As soon as I first met Tom, I knew I would marry him.

Thanks in advance.
Hirashin

Both are fine.

The first one means something like "realized". Because of the kind behavior, something in Yin's mind concluded that even tho she was leaving, she liked Japan and would be back.

Thanks, johnnyG.