What now? That seems to be the question on every “Grey’s Anatomy” fan's mind since Patrick Dempsey’s beloved character, Derek Shepherd, was killed off from the long-running ABC series. (McDreamy met his demise in episode 21 of Season 11 after a gruesome car accident.) However, both Dempsey and Shonda Rhimes, creator of the hit medical drama, have promised viewers that, despite the death of the handsome surgeon, the show will continue to evolve.

“As Ellis Grey [Kate Burton] would say: The carousel never stops turning,” Rhimes confirmed in a statement following the emotional episode “How to Save a Life.”

While we’re relieved to learn that Derek’s passing hasn't put an expiration date on the cherished series, we’re curious how his absence will affect Meredith (Ellen Pompeo) for the remainder of the show. And from the looks of the episode 22 promo video, it seems safe to say that Mer will be hit hard by the death of her soul mate -- so hard, in fact, that she’ll even contemplate leaving Seattle behind to start a new.

In addition to learning that Mer will break the gut-wrenching news of Derek’s death to her friends and family at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital, the trailer for the forthcoming installment revealed that Mer has told her daughter Zola they are leaving. (But the “where” still remains a mystery.)

“Mommy, where are we going?” she asks.

“Away, sweetie,” Meredith responds.

Does that mean Meredith will hang up her Grey Sloan scrubs to start over in a new town with a new career? Although that was our initial reaction, there’s no way Meredith would run from her problems -- not even her McDreamy-sized ones. It’s just not the way Pompeo has portrayed her character over the past 11 seasons.

The actress bolstered our theory that Mer will stay put after she tweeted out a message that addressed her TV husband’s death.

“There are so many people out there who have suffered tremendous loss and tragedy. Husbands and wives of soldiers, victims of senseless violence and parents who have lost children. People who get up each day and do what feels like is the impossible. So it is for these people and in the spirit of resilience I am honored and excited to tell the story of how Meredith goes on in the face of what feels like the impossible,” Pompeo tweeted, describing the strength of the character she will portray in the episodes to come. “I hope you will all join me on her journey.”

What do you think is in store for Meredith following Derek’s demise? Sound off in the comments section below and don’t forget to tune in to the special 2-hour episode of “Grey’s Anatomy” titled “She’s Leaving Home” on Thursday, April 30.

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