Erin Hayes has always been the one people rely on. The eldest of five, raised two fast and used to carrying more than her share, she come to Seattle Grace determined to prove she belongs - no matter how hard she had to work or ow much she had to sacrifice to get there. Then the Mercy West merger throws her into the path of Jackson Avery - talented, composed and far too good at seeing through the walls she's spent years building. As the hospital turns into battlefield of competition, pressure, and impossible choices, Erin finds herself learning that strength isn't just about holding everything together alone. And that some people don't walk into your life to make it harder. Some of them stay to help you survive it.