"Yes."

Cristina inhaled, closed her eyes, and let her head drop, her hair falling into her eyes.

She had said yes. She had accepted him. She had been so damn happy.

And then everything had happened. Izzie. George. Cristina exhaled sharply, blinking back her tears. She had been so god damn happy. And now? Now she didn't know. She didn't know what she felt, what she was supposed to feel. She was numb, so over-loaded with every emotion imaginable that she was desensitized to it all.

A breeze blew her bangs from her eyes and cooled the tears that she had been fighting so hard to keep in. Cristina shuddered against the wind and pulled her knees up to her chest. The bench she was sitting on was bitter cold and goose bumps appeared along her bare arms but she couldn't bring herself to go inside. She couldn't face all the pain, all the death. She couldn't handle the trauma just yet. Footsteps approached and she rubbed her nose, trying to hide her sorrow, her weakness, but it was no good. As soon as she tried to stop her tears they came harder. Why couldn't she stay in control for just once?

The footsteps stopped behind her and she felt a hand comb through her hair.

"Hi."

Cristina lifted her head, still looking forward. "Hi." Her voice cracked.

Owen walked around the bench to sit beside her. He put his arm around her to shield her from the wind, wishing he could shield her from the pain as well. Cristina let her legs drop to the ground as she fell into his warm body. She buried her face into his chest as tears silently streamed down her face. He rubbed her arms, trying to transfer his warmth to her cold skin. They sat in silence for awhile before she spoke.

"I don't know what I'm supposed to do." Her voice was muffled by his chest, but he could make out the misery, the vulnerability. He wrapped both arms around her tightly, holding her to him. He had nothing to say. He couldn't think of anything that would make her better. All he could do was hold her, protect her. He kissed the top of her head slowly and frowned at her icy skin. Feeling his apprehension she sighed shakily. "I can't go back in there Owen. I can't face all of it." She raised her head to look him in the eyes, silently pleading with him. "I- I can't."

"I know." It was his turn to sigh. "I know. It's alright. We'll sit out here for a few minutes longer." She nodded and put her head back against his chest. She could feel his heartbeat. "Don't worry. We'll just stay out here."