Thursday's episode of Grey's Anatomy was a rough one for many of the characters. 

But through all of the despair, fans were treated to an off-screen appearance by a beloved character. 

On Grey's Anatomy Season 16 Episode 4, Meredith found herself facing backlash from her former co-workers after the headline was changed. 

The article had significant ramifications for Grey Sloan Memorial, with one patient refusing to be treated. 

Related: Grey's Anatomy Season 16 Episode 4 Review: It's Raining Men

With many turning on Meredith, her BFF Cristina Yang sent her a text message that said the following:

"Move to Switzerland before Bailey murders you in your sleep," it read. 

Sandra Oh did not reprise the fan-favorite role, but fans loved that the show addressed she still existed and was still very much in Switzerland. 

"THE TEXT FROM CRISTINA OH MY GOD," said one excited fan. 

"Of course meredith is texting with cristina when she’s in trouble, i love a friendship that never fades," said another. 

Another fan was a little bit too hysterical:

"DID CRISTINA JUST TEXT?! I SCREAMED. SCREAMED."

Related: Grey's Anatomy Fans Furious After Bailey Twist

To be fair, we ALL screamed when Cristina's name popped up on the screen. 

"When Cristina texted I died and went to heaven," said another Twitter user following the episode airing. 

Okay then.

It's unclear whether this mention of the beloved character could be the first of many, and if so, we are so here for it. 

Ever since Oh's exit from the ABC medical series in 2014, fans have been asking for her to return. 

But Oh is probably too busy filming BBC America's hit series Killing Eve to make a real appearance on the show. 

Showrunner Krista Vernoff previously said at the Television Critics Association summer press tour that she was working on bringing a former character back. 

At the time, she teased that it was a "real maybe."

But we've yet to here any reports of it becoming a reality. 

What are your thoughts on Cristina texting Meredith?

Do you want Sandra Oh to return for a guest stint?

Hit the comments below. 

Remember, you can watch Grey's Anatomy online right here via TV Fanatic. 

Grey's Anatomy airs Thursdays on ABC. 

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