Days Update Thursday, August 13, 2026

Days of Our Lives Update

 

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Update written by Joseph

Rafe is on the phone in his room in Alamainia until Gwen comes in and says they need to talk. Rafe tells her to calm down, while Gwen complains that they just left Leo with that lovesick psychopath. Rafe disagrees, pointing out that they didn’t leave Leo as he offered to stay. Gwen asks if he didn’t hear the quiver in his voice or read his body language. Rafe doesn’t know what she expects him to do, arguing that he’s an FBI agent, not a shrink. Gwen argues that Rafe is good at ironing out difficult situations and they know that Leo sacrificed himself to save them, so he needs to come up with a plan to rescue him now.

Dimitri sits with Leo and says it’s now just the two of them. Dimitri says he’s missed Leo’s sense of humor but now they are finally together and alone, but Leo tells him to stop it.

Stephanie goes to the hospital with flowers and tells Kayla that she knows Joy doesn’t want to see her, so she thought Kayla could put them in Joy’s room and adds that she signed the card from Kelsey. Kayla calls that so thoughtful of her. Stephanie says she’s trying since she already screwed things up so badly with Joy that she wants to take the high road from now on. Stephanie guesses that Kayla thinks it’s pointless and that there’s nothing she can do to make it right.

Alex brings Kelsey to the Brady Pub where Steve greets them. Alex says he was just going to head up to Joy’s room and get some extra clothes for Kelsey. Steve mentions hearing that Joy is in the hospital and Alex is on full time dad duty. Alex assures it’s just until Joy is out of the hospital. Steve asks how he’s doing with that. Alex admits he’s a rookie in all things Kelsey. Steve is sure he’s doing great. Steve tells Alex to let him know if he and Kayla can do anything to lighten the load. Alex decides there is one thing he could use his help with.

Paulina runs in to Marlena in the town square. Marlena asks how Chanel is doing. Paulina says the last round of chemo knocked her down for awhile but she’s on the other side now and her treatment is on pause until the baby is born. Marlena asks how Paulina is. Paulina says she’s okay and admits she’s thinking about Abe as usual, especially today on his birthday. Paulina hopes Abe is having a wonderful celebration.

Theo tells Abe that Lani said Lexie might be sick. Abe guesses that Lexie doesn’t want to worry them. Theo wonders if Dr. Rolf’s miracle drug is not really a miracle after all. Abe argues that Lexie is the strongest person he knows, so if she’s sick, she’s going to get help. Abe guesses Lexie took off to see Dr. Rolf. Theo points out that no one knows where Dr. Rolf is. Abe decides he’ll check with Shane and Jada to see if they can track him down. Theo says he will check with the rest of the family as someone has to know something. Abe promises that they will figure out what’s going on, but in the meantime they have to trust that Lexie is doing what she needs to do to get back home to them.

Paulina admits to Marlena that it’s hard for her not to be able to reach out to Abe on her birthday. Marlena mentions sending him a birthday text but she hasn’t heard back from him yet. Paulina talks about staying busy with her mayoral duties, joining a book club, and doing her workouts in order to try not to think about Abe so much. Marlena points out that she and Abe have an amazing history, so she hopes Paulina will be there for him if he needs her.

Alex tells Steve that he and Stephanie eloped, but they didn’t want to stop their friends and family from celebrating with a party. Steve remembers they were talking about it. Alex talks about life getting in the way with Owen, then Joy, and the baby. Alex says Stephanie has been through so much, so he wants to do that celebration now to show Stephanie how much she means to him, but between work and the baby, his hands are full, so he’s going to need some help. Steve tells Alex to say no more, as he’s in.

Kayla tells Stephanie that she doesn’t think it’s pointless for her to try to make things right with Joy as she’s always been one to want to fix things because she’s a kind and passionate person. Stephanie just wants what’s best for Kelsey. Kayla assures that they know that, pointing out that she moved out of her home so Alex can be there with Kelsey. Kayla is proud of how hard she’s working on this and says she’s in awe of who she is as they hug.

Rafe tells Gwen that he didn’t come to rescue her or Leo, but because he got Gwen’s written confession that she was working with EJ to kidnap Dimitri and that they used Dimitri’s money to buy the hospital. Gwen questions if he’s saying he owes Leo nothing and argues that his job is to protect and serve. Rafe argues that Leo has free will which he used to come here and can use it to leave. Gwen asks what if Dimitri forces Leo to stay against his will or moves him somewhere that they can’t find him. Rafe calls it touching that Gwen is so concerned about Leo, but questions if she shouldn’t be more concerned with her own future.

Leo tells Dimitri that he only came to rescue Gwen and he only stayed so that Gwen could get out and return home safely. Leo argues that Dimitri only wanted him here to punish him and seduce him. Dimitri says he has no desire to punish him because he loves him like he’s never loved anyone before. Dimitri believes Leo is there because he never really got over him and perhaps never will.

Stephanie knows Joy is in real pain right now, but admits that she did think Joy was playing and manipulating Alex. Stephanie talks about not being sure about having kids, but she’d like the chance to have a relationship with Kelsey which Joy is making impossible. Kayla agrees that it’s ridiculous. Stephanie calls it so unfair and worries that if Joy doesn’t change her mind about allowing her to be part of Alex’s daughter’s life, then she’s afraid for her marriage.

Steve tells Alex that Kayla is the queen of organizing and multi-tasking, so he will loop her in to gather some secret intel from Stephanie and get the ball rolling on this which Alex says would be great. Steve understands Alex wants to have this celebration to show Stephanie how much their marriage means to him and he thinks that’s a great idea, but admits he doesn’t think it’s enough.

Paulina questions Marlena hoping she’ll be there if Abe needs her and asks why he would need her when Lexie is his wife now. Marlena just thinks they should stay close to Abe. Paulina says that’s hard when Abe has a whole other life that she’s not part of. Marlena says she understands, but she was a very big part of his life and he cares about her. Marlena adds that they will always be part of each other’s heart and she thinks that kind of connection doesn’t just disappear. Paulina thanks Marlena for reminding her of that. Paulina says she has to get to Chanel and Johnny’s, so Marlena sends her love. As Paulina walks away, Theo approaches Marlena and tells her that Lexie didn’t go to South Africa to visit her mother and they have no idea where she is. Theo admits he’s trying hard not to panic, but he has no idea what to do. Marlena decides to take Theo to her office to talk about it.

Alex asks what more Steve thinks he should to in order to make sure Stephanie understands that she’s his main priority. Steve understands Alex is devoted to Kelsey as he should be, but he believes Joy is taking advantage of his devotion so she can spend more time with him. Steve knows there have been some real emergencies where Joy needed him, but questions insisting Stephanie can’t be around Kelsey until she’s 18. Alex knows it’s extreme. Steve calls it cruel and argues that it’s designed to drive a wedge between Alex and Stephanie. Steve tells Alex that he needs to set clear boundaries with Joy and to tell her in no uncertain terms that they have no future together, unless he wants there to be.

Stephanie tells Kayla that she knows she sounds like a broken record. Kayla tells her that she can always express her feelings to her and she just wants her to feel better. Stephanie says she’d feel a lot better if Joy didn’t think she was some kind of menace. Stephanie feels there has to be some way to convince Joy that she would never hurt Kelsey. Kayla says she’s going to drive herself crazy and points out that right now, Joy is in a medical crisis that she needs to focus on. Stephanie says it boggles her mind that even from a hospital bed, she’s still managing to keep her and Alex apart. Stephanie remarks that she’s making it all about her again. Kayla just wants it all to be easier on her. Stephanie admits it helps to vent to her and to know that she’s on her side as they hug.

Gwen questions Rafe as to why she should be concerned about her future and if that’s a veiled threat. Rafe doesn’t think she wants to go back to prison. Gwen argues that she’s the victim as Dimitri kidnapped her while Rafe points out that was retaliation for her kidnapping him, which Gwen calls rubbish. Rafe reminds Gwen that he has her signed confession. Rafe says that she and Dimitri can kidnap each other all they want for all he cares as he’s only interested in taking down EJ. Rafe tells Gwen that if she gives him EJ, she’s a free woman.

Theo and Marlena go to her office where Theo tells Marlena that the theory is that Lexie took a plane to try and find Dr. Rolf. Theo adds that Abe reached out to old police buddies while Johnny went to EJ, who said he doesn’t know anything. Theo is frustrated as he feels like he should be doing more but he doesn’t know where to start and she could be halfway across the world by now. Marlena responds that Lexie could even be closer to home. Theo questions what she means and if she knows where his mom is. Marlena responds that she has reason to suspect that she is somewhere in the DiMera Mansion. Theo says he didn’t even think that she could still be in Salem since they knew she took a ride to the airfield. Theo asks if Marlena really thinks she could be in Salem. Marlena believes it’s worth checking. Theo brings up taking the tunnels to visit Lexie before anyone knew she was alive while Dr. Rolf was treating her. Marlena asks if he can still get in there. Theo says EJ gave him an access code. Marlena stops Theo and says there’s something else she needs to tell him.

Kayla tells Stephanie that Joy was sleeping, so she left the flowers on the table. Kayla adds that she’s now officially off the clock and is going to meet Steve at the Pub, so she invites Stephanie to join them. Stephanie says she would love to but she has some work to get done, so she probably head to Jada’s since her home is now off limits to her. Kayla says she’s sorry but she knows Stephanie and Alex love each other, so she encourages her to be patient and it will get better. Stephanie hopes that it has to.

Alex assures Steve that he does not want a future with Joy and the only person he wants to spend the rest of his life with is Stephanie. Alex feels lucky that a woman like Stephanie would even choose him. Alex repeats that beyond co-parenting, there is no future for he and Joy. Steve says that’s good to hear and now he needs to tell Stephanie that. Alex agrees to do that and thanks him. Alex says he should get Kelsey’s clothes and get her back home. Alex thanks Steve again for the talk and the advice as they hug. Steve assures that he’s always there for him.

Gwen tells Rafe that she is a free woman. Rafe says it looks like the walls are closing in. Rafe points out that kidnapping is 20 years to life or he can get her guaranteed immunity in exchange for testimony and evidence against EJ. Rafe asks Gwen what it will be.

Leo questions Dimitri thinking he’ll never get over him. Dimitri urges Leo to try and remember what they once had and the life they planned together. Dimitri promises to take him to Rome and says Leo can finally have the life he deserves. Leo responds that they deserve a better life than that. Dimitri questions what could be better. Leo admits there was a time he would’ve jumped at what he’s offering, but now that he’s experienced love, family, and community, he knows he needs those things. Dimitri argues that he can have true love with him. Leo says not the kind of love he now knows is possible. Leo tells Dimitri that he will stay here with him because he said he would, but he believes they deserve better than that.

Rafe comments on Gwen not having a snappy insult or a cutting comeback. Gwen admits that going up against EJ sounds delicious, so she will have to chew on that for a bit. Rafe says she’ll have plenty of time on their flight home, but Gwen says she’s not going anywhere with him.

Kayla joins Steve at the Pub. Steve tells her that his client meeting was good and the case seemed interesting, but not as interesting as running in to Alex and Kelsey afterwards. Steve tells Kayla that Alex is okay with being a full time dad for now, but he’s a little worried about what it’s doing to he and Stephanie’s relationship, so he wants to make it up to her by throwing a surprise wedding reception since they never had one. Steve says he volunteered Kayla to help. Kayla says she’d be happy to help but to do it right, it would take a couple months of planning. Steve says he told Alex that and he also told him that he has bigger problems that a party can’t fix.

Alex is returning home with Kelsey at the same time as Stephanie is coming home. Stephanie tells Alex that she’ll let him go inside with Kelsey and wait there, but Alex says it’s not okay.

Theo asks what Marlena has to tell him. Marlena informs Theo that he’s right that his mother is sick, but there’s more to it. Marlena reveals that Lexie believes the drugs are no longer working. Theo guesses that Lexie is afraid she’s dying. Marlena says she’s so sorry.

Rafe questions Gwen wanting to stay in Alamainia by herself, knowing Dimitri would love to nail her for what she’s done. Rafe warns Gwen that this is her one chance to save herself from Dimitri and EJ, so he would not pass it up if he was her. Gwen responds that she can’t just leave Leo there. Rafe argues that Leo will be fine and can take care of himself. Rafe adds that Dimitri loves Leo, so he won’t do anything to hurt him. Rafe reminds Gwen that this is her chance to leave the country and Dimitri’s wrath, along with taking down EJ DiMera. Gwen then gives in and says there better be some good cocktails on the flight, so she exits with Rafe.

Dimitri respects that Leo is no longer pursuing status or wealth and that he’s looking for a love where he feels fully seen and understood. Dimitri argues that Leo can have that kind of love with him and he already does, because he sees and understands them. Dimitri says they just need a little time for Leo to understand how much he means to him and how happy he can make him. Dimitri tells Leo to get dressed for dinner and says he has a whole closet full of designer clothes from Milan just for him. Dimitri tells Leo to take it one day at a time as he goes to get ready. Leo remarks that he wishes he had a pair of ruby slippers, so he could click his heels and go home.

Kayla asks Steve if he thinks Alex will take him up on his advice. Steve confirms that he seemed receptive to it. Steve hopes Alex and Stephanie can weather this storm. Kayla reminds him of how many storms they’ve weathered and jokes that they are still putting up with each other. Steve says they are so in love, while Stephanie and Alex are just starting out and have already been through so much. Kayla wishes she could wave a magic wand and fix everything for them. Steve declares all they can go is keep loving and supporting them no matter what happens.

Alex tells Stephanie that he’s going to make it a point to tell her every day how much he loves her and that he will find them the best babysitter in Salem for Kelsey whether that’s his parents or her parents, so they can have the perfect date night with the romantic husband and wife time after that they deserve. Stephanie tells Alex that she loves him so much as they kiss.

Theo questions why Lexie not telling him and Abe that the drugs were failing so they could take care of her. Marlena explains that Lexie said she couldn’t bear to watch them suffer as she continued to decline and wanted them to have happy memories. Theo realizes that’s why she had Christmas in July. Marlena says she’s so sorry as she knows how painful this is for him. Theo declares that he has to go find her as he exits the office.

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Days Update Wednesday, August 12, 2026

Days of Our Lives Update

 

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Update written by Joseph

Tate and Aaron work out together at Tate’s gym. Tate tells him that he can work out there for free when school starts up again. Aaron jokes that he’ll keep him updated on Salem U and complains about his new roommate. Tate jokes that it sounds like he’s going to have a great year.

Holly and Arianna walk through the town square together after shopping. Holly says it was good to be out and about. Holly adds that she wants to start having fun and doing normal things again, but it seems like the world has other ideas.

Rachel asks Brady at home if they have to go back to school shopping today. Brady thought she was excited about it and asks if she’s alright. Rachel says she was just thinking about how Kristen took her shopping last year right before going to prison and now she’s gone again.

EJ complains of being sick and this not being the ideal time for questions, adding that he’s probably spreading flu virus all over him as they speak. Devlin says as water inspector, he’s exposed to pathogens all the time so his immune system is built up. He tells EJ that this is a urgent health crisis and that he was talking to an old friend during a golf outing. He asks EJ if he’s familiar with Coriseal. EJ acknowledges it as a drug produced by DiMera Pharmaceuticals. Devlin then reveals his outing was with George, the head of DiMera Pharmaceuticals, who told him after having some drinks that he and EJ were involved in a coverup involving a bad batch of Coriseal. Devlin adds that George said EJ would kill him if he learned that he told him as he knows where all the bodies are buried and now he does too. EJ assures him that there are no bodies and says he has no idea what he’s talking about. Devlin informs EJ that he went to Smith Island to check on George’s story. EJ responds that Smith Island holds no meaning to him. Devlin argues that his company has been treating it like a wasteland and reveals he found an excavation that confirmed George’s story that DiMera Pharmaceuticals, in an attempt to cover up evidence, dumped a bad batch of Coriseal there, unwittingly contaminating the Horton’s well. EJ says he’s got it all wrong and calls it a baseless accusation. Devlin says he knows what he saw and that he’s not here as the legal system, he’s just concerned with cleaning up the mess that EJ left behind, unless he wants to be the reason that everyone in Salem starts dropping like flies.

At the Kiriakis Mansion, Xander is on the phone, saying that most of the furniture will be included in the sale as Sarah walks in. Xander then hangs up, so Sarah questions what’s going on and what that was about. Xander informs her that it was a real estate broker as he’s listing the Kiriakis Mansion. Sarah is shocked and asks why and what happened. Xander reveals that EJ happened and that he called in the balance of their loan of $200 million, which they don’t have, so they are going to lose the house and they are going to lose everything.

At the Titan office, Philip finishes a phone call in frustration as Gabi arrives. Gabi sees Philip being not all put together and asks if he’s been there all night. Philip confirms he was fueled by caffeine and panic, trying every get rich quick scheme he can think of and he thinks he just found one. Gabi thought they dismissed every possibility they could think of to save Titan, so she asks what he’s got. Philip admits it’s not totally on the up and up. Gabi asks if it’s illegal. Philip says not exactly as he reveals it’s a poker game.

Holly tells Arianna about Amy Choi coming to see her yesterday and she said she’s dropping the lawsuit. Holly says it’s great that she doesn’t have to go to court, but Amy is still so angry, said Sophia’s blood is on her hands, and threatened to haunt her. Arianna says she was just trying to upset her and encourages her not to let Amy get to her. Holly asks how she can’t since Amy blames her for Sophia’s death and says maybe it’s true.

Tate and Aaron continue working out while Aaron talks about being jealous of Tate not having to worry about keeping up his grades. Tate talks about all the work that goes in to the gym with ad rates, taxes, and earning reports. Tate remarks that college was a breeze compared to owning a business. Aaron guesses he didn’t realize how much of a grind it was. Tate admits it’s a lot even though he loves it. Tate adds that he doesn’t feel like he has Holly’s support in this since she was really bummed when he decided to drop out of Salem U.

Brady talks to Rachel about Kristen having to leave and says they just have to trust her. Rachel argues that there’s always a choice and she chose to leave.

EJ tells Devlin that he doesn’t follow and asks why the people of Salem would be dropping like flies. Devlin suggests they would be taking from the contaminated water that EJ’s company dumped, which EJ denies any knowledge of. EJ thinks Devlin is being alarmist and says if there were truly a problem, it would be evident by now. Devlin argues that a storm could wash the arsenic in to the Salem River, so the fate that befell Holly could be shared by the entire zip code. Devlin tells EJ that nature is indifferent to his bank account and talks about ignoring the warning signs.

Sarah tells Xander that she doesn’t get it since Gabi gave the money and they were making the loan installments. Xander explains that they did, but then EJ found out they were doing it using DiMera money, so he called in the balance which is way beyond what they can afford. Sarah asks if Maggie knows. Xander confirms that he just broke the news to her. Sarah asks how she took it. Xander says she was stoic and said she’d rather sell the estate than let it fall in to EJ’s hands. Xander adds that Maggie said she knows she should be mad as hell at Philip and Xander but she’s not because they can’t change the past. Xander blames himself and Philip for losing everything. Xander declares that what mattered most to him about saving Titan was making sure the legacy lived on through their daughter and worries that his hope to provide for Victoria’s future is now gone. Sarah tries to comfort him but Xander pulls away, so Sarah says she’ll leave him alone. Xander explains that he just feels he doesn’t deserve her comfort. Sarah feels he’s being too hard on himself and that there’s plenty of blame to go around. Sarah states that the bad news about Titan is just money and it’s not a tragedy that Victoria won’t be an heir to a fortune. Sarah insists their love is the most important gift they can give Victoria. Sarah repeats that there’s plenty of blame to go around since Philip made a huge mistake and EJ is a vindictive bastard. Sarah adds that there’s also her.

Gabi asks if Philip is kidding about a poker game, but Philip says he’s dead serious. Gabi questions thinking he’s going to win $200 million in a poker game. Philip says he hasn’t played in a long time, but he was damn good, so he figured he’d dust off his God given talent to try and save the family fortune. Gabi questions where he is going to play. Philip reveals that he got himself an invite to a high stakes game in Monte Carlo next week.

Devlin tells EJ that the situation is a dumpster fire and that action must be taken immediately. EJ tells him to take it then. Devlin says that’s why he is here. Devlin declares that since the city can’t fix this properly, he has come to the rescue which is why he hasn’t talked to the Mayor or anyone else. Devlin assures that no one knows what EJ has done except for them and George and guesses he’d like to keep it that way.

Aaron thought everything was fine with Tate and Holly. Tate says that Holly said she forgave him after finding the pills in her bag, but he doesn’t know. Tate acknowledges that they love each other a lot, but it’s not like they’ve spent more than two seconds being happy in their entire relationship. Tate talks about the Sophia situation and then the pills. Tate hopes that all these problems aren’t a sign. Aaron calls it a sign that they need to have more fun. Tate says maybe he’s right. Aaron brings up Holly and Arianna shopping in the town square and suggests they go track them down.

Arianna tells Holly that what happened to Sophia was a tragedy, but it’s not on her. Ari brings up the awful things Sophia did to her and urges her not to let Amy Choi put her on this awful guilt trip. Holly says it’s not just Amy, but everything that happened with the pills and family stuff going on as she’s pretty sure Titan is in big trouble. Holly says it’s like everyone’s lives have been turned upside down this summer and when she thinks it’s over, disaster strikes again.

Brady tells Rachel that she’s right that they always have a choice, but sometimes no matter what, someone ends up getting hurt. Rachel brings up Kristen taking the blame when she shot EJ and choosing to go to prison. Rachel argues that she never would’ve let Kristen do that if she had remembered what she did that night. Brady encourages that Rachel is the most important thing in the world to Kristen. Rachel questions how Kristen can protect her when she’s not here when she needs her and keeps leaving. Brady encourages that he’s here and knows that Kristen will be there when she can. Rachel responds that she learned in Bayview that even though Kristen is her mom, that doesn’t mean she has to trust her or want to be like her. Rachel adds that as much as she loves her, something bad always seems to happen when she’s around, so maybe her life is better when Kristen’s not here. Rachel asks if she’s a bad person for saying that. Brady says of course not because she’s a very good person and he’s very proud of her. Brady admits that she may be right that she could use a break from always having to worry about her mom. Brady knows they love each other but says it might be good to have some time apart, so Rachel will feel calmer instead of worrying all the time which he knows her mom would want. Brady hugs Rachel and tells her it’s okay.

Arianna encourages that Holly has a family who loves her and a boyfriend who is crazy about her. Tate and Aaron then join them in the town square. Aaron suddenly claims he and Ari have to go do a thing and he’s sure Holly and Tate can amuse themselves until they text them on where to meet, so they walk off together, leaving Holly and Tate wondering what they are up to.

EJ swears he could kill George while Devlin says not to be too hard on George since he was probably too drunk to remember the night. EJ takes a drink and asks what he wants from him. Devlin argues that the whole Coriseal fiasco will probably take millions to remedy. EJ questions if Devlin wants him to pay for this remediation, calling it unnecessary. Devlin says he’s proposing an economical solution and asks if he wants his negligence to go viral, warning that EJ will end up in prison as he asks if EJ really wants him to tell the world what he has done.

Xander questions how any of this is Sarah’s fault. Sarah reminds him that she justified keeping Philip’s lie a secret by telling herself that Xander couldn’t be trusted to handle the truth. Sarah says maybe if she told him sooner, they could’ve worked it out without violence and Tony wouldn’t have been able to leverage getting DiMera back. Sarah feels she only proved that she can’t be trusted. Xander admits that she’s right and that it’s come up in therapy that the trust issues between them hadn’t been resolved. Xander declares that until they are and asks if he really needs to finish the sentence. Sarah says she supposes not but she is sorry for her part and knows it’s not just losing Titan, but the mansion too. Xander acknowledges that they can’t change the past and can only deal with the present to hope for a better future.

Gabi thought those kind of poker games only happened in movies, but calls them just as risky in real life. Philip insists he doesn’t suck at poker. Gabi asks how he knows the guy who got him in th game. Philip says they go way back and since the potential Titan crash isn’t public yet, he thinks he’s still qualified to sit at the table. Philip admits there’s one tiny problem and reveals there’s a $5 million buy in. Gabi questions Philip being willing to risk losing $5 million on top of everything else. Philip calls it a greater risk for a greater reward. Philip talks about all that Gabi would lose if EJ takes over Titan, but says there is still a way she could have all of that. Gabi says she can’t wait to hear it. Philip brings up Gabi willing to gamble on the stock market and how she stands to see a huge return on investment when he wins the poker game. Gabi stops him and guesses he’s asking her for the $5 million dollars.

Sarah tells Xander that it’s so weird to think about the house being anything other than the Kiriakis Estate and the idea of someone else living there and owning the place. Xander brings up how it’s been Maggie’s home for so long. Sarah says for Philip, the place has so many memories of his dad so she’s sure it means so much to him along with Justin, Bonnie, and Xander. Sarah tells Xander that she worries about him too. Xander says he’ll be fine as he can move back in to his apartment, but admits that what upsets him the most is that he won’t be living with Sarah and Victoria anymore. Xander worries that going back to shuttling Victoria between them won’t be easy. Sarah agrees but says they will figure it out together.

Rachel tells Brady that she’s glad she talked to him and admits she feels better. Brady says he does too. Rachel says she still wants to go back to school shopping but jokes that Brady’s fashion sense sucks. Brady tells her that she can go with Marlena and Belle, but Rachel insists on wanting to go with him because he’s still a good dad, so she goes to get ready.

Tate and Holly join Aaron and Arianna in the park where they have a camping setup. Aaron says they are going to have fun like the old times, play frisbee, and have hot dogs.

EJ accuses Devlin of blackmailing him. Devlin calls that an unpleasant word that sounds like something a villain does. EJ argues that Devlin is threatening to levy false accusations against him in public. Devlin pulls a folder out of his bag and hands it to EJ, saying it’s an itemized accounting of the expenses that EJ will be accruing. EJ guesses he wants hush money which Devlin admits.

Sarah asks Xander what happens to Titan now. Xander says EJ might absorb it in to DiMera and sell it off for parts. Sarah realizes Brady doesn’t know yet and how it’s going to be such a blow to him since Basic Black was the company his dad created. Xander says he would tell Brady, but it might be better coming from Sarah before the news breaks and he hears it from someone else. Sarah agrees to go now to tell him.

Philip tells Gabi that he wouldn’t ask if it wasn’t the only way to save Titan and his family home. Gabi questions handing over her entire inheritance from Stefan. Philip points out that she put some in a trust for Arianna. Philip adds that he wouldn’t ask if he wasn’t confident he would win. Gabi brings up Philip’s last gamble with the forged letter. Philip admits he’s done a lot of stupid things in his life, but playing poker is the one skill he has that he’s confident in and the only card he has left to play. Philip asks Gabi to get him back in the game, admitting he can’t do it without her.

Sarah goes to see Brady, who notes that her text sounded serious and asks if everything is okay. Sarah says not really as it’s about Titan and the Kiriakis Estate. Sarah informs him that the family is going to lose both. Brady doesn’t understand as he knew the company was in trouble but last he heard, Philip and Xander had things under control. Sarah reveals that they don’t and she’s so sorry because it means they will be losing John’s company as well. Brady questions everything his Grandfather built being gone. Sarah tells him that she’s sorry.

Devlin comments on EJ sweating and asks if he’s starting to realize that he’s in the driver’s seat. EJ tells him that he can’t pretend to be a white hat while dabbling in extortion. Devlin responds that he’s not pretending to be a hero as his only goal is to solve the city’s crisis and be able to afford wine. EJ remarks that he’s making this very difficult. Devlin says he’s making it inevitable. Devlin argues that for his entire life, EJ has treated the law like a free trial that he can cancel whenever he’d like. Devlin tells EJ that his trial is over and his card is being charged. EJ discreetly sends an “SOS” text to Rita.

Tate, Holly, Arianna, and Aaron get ready to eat outside. Holly, Ari, and Aaron toast their waters to their last hurrah before school starts again while Tate is left out.

Brady guesses he shouldn’t be shocked by this since EJ has made it his lifelong mission to take out the Kiriakis. Sarah says that mission has been accomplished. Brady says he will call Philip and Xander to figure out a way to stop this. Sarah informs him that the loan is $200 million. Brady guesses all he can do then is offer his condolences. Sarah says that’s what she’s offering him since Titan is his family company. Brady declares that Titan is going down and that’s a shame, but his kids are turning their lives around, so at the end of the day, that’s all that matters to him. Sarah agrees it’s the most important thing.

Philip tells Gabi that he knows he’s asking a lot and calls it demeaning, mortifying, and a total blow to his pride but it’s desperate times. Gabi questions him wanting $5 million to play poker and calls that crazy. Philip says crazy is all he’s got. Gabi decides she needs to think long and hard about this. Philip says he understands and would also understand if she totally blows him off, but he will need an answer soon because if another player comes up with the cash, they will shut him out. Philip adds that if she does decide to take the chance, he swears that if he doesn’t win, he will spend the rest of his life paying her back. Xander arrives and questions what Gabi is doing there. Philip says they were just discussing various ideas to come up with money to save Titan, but claims they got nothing.

Sarah asks Brady about things turning around for his kids. Brady tells her that Tate’s gym is going really well and he just had a great talk with Rachel as she’s seeing things in a whole new light. Brady realizes he hasn’t given Sarah the latest on Kristen and informs her that she showed up dressed as Susan Banks to say goodbye to Rachel. Brady says luckily, Rachel bought it and that Rachel has come to some very mature conclusions like realizing that even though she and Kristen love each other, she’s better off without Kristen in her life. Brady states that Rachel is realizing that when Kristen is in her life, it’s chaotic, and she needs stability while being constantly blindsided by Kristen’s shenanigans is not good for her. Sarah is happy she’s starting to realize that. Sarah adds that Rachel is lucky to have a dad who does give her stability and loves her very much. Brady says they are also very lucky to have Sarah as he hugs her.

Tate, Holly, Aaron, and Arianna finish eating. Tate and Holly go to play frisbee. Ari tells Aaron this was a great idea and just what they needed. Aaron admits he hated they had to cut their Smith Island trip short. Ari calls it such a bummer that Holly got sick. Aaron then tells Arianna that it also sucked he never got to do this, as he then kisses Ari.

Rachel invites Sarah to come with her and Brady to go back to school shopping, saying she needs someone with good fashion sense. Sarah agrees to come and says she’ll bring Victoria. Rachel declares it will be so fun as she goes to get her gift card. Sarah comments on Rachel seeming in good spirits. Brady says aside from his fashion taste, he has very good taste in something more important as he’s very proud to say he’s chosen the most beautiful and kindest woman in Salem as he kisses Sarah.

Devlin asks EJ if they have an understanding or if he needs to go over the consequences slowly again. EJ says he made it all perfectly clear. Rita comes in with some tea, but Devlin remarks that he knows better than to consume anything in this house. EJ drinks the tea and says it’s perfectly safe. Devlin says he should be on his way. EJ questions his hurry and if he has a wife or something. Devlin responds that he is single and on his own island. EJ remarks that there is then no one to notice if he were to drift away for awhile. EJ then grabs Devlin from behind while Rita injects him with a needle, causing him to pass out.

Xander tells Philip and Gabi that makes three of them who have got nothing. Xander says for the time being they have Titan, so for today at least, it’s business as usual. Xander tells Philip to go home and shower since it’s pretty clear he was there all night coming up with nothing. Xander says he will take care of the meeting. Philip asks if he’s going to tell the management team. Xander says not yet and not without him. Xander then exits. Gabi questions Philip not wanting Xander to know about the poker game. Philip responds that even though he’s sure he will win the cash they need, he didn’t want Xander to give him a hard time since it’s his idea, he’d call it a trainwreck in the making.

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BTG Short Recap Friday, August 28, 2026

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Recap written by Michelle & Cheryl

Anita had insecurities about her voice so she turned down Sharon’s request to join her and Tracy at the Jazz Fest. Vernon tried to change her mind. Anita showed him how off her voice was since the chemo. Eva interrupted Kat’s conversation with Izaiah. She kissed Izaiah in front of Kat. Eva told Kat that she was with Tomas. After Kat left, Izaiah told Eva about the work Kat and Chelsea put into ChelseaKat. Eva wanted to know why he was singing Kat’s praises. Izaiah said he was impressed with her business ethic. He assured Eva that she was good too. Smitty showed up during Chelsea and Kat’s meeting to let them know that he was assigned to write a story about the fashion industry. He asked them about a few brands that a whistleblower told him about. One of the brands was the person they were meeting in Tokyo. Dani showed up and told Chelsea and Kat to avoid the scandal. Naomi showed up to let them know that there was a clause in their contract which allowed them to end their partnership if the scandal went public. Since nothing happened, Naomi suggested that they shouldn’t trash the company publicly.

After hearing Hayley’s call, Bill followed her to Uptown. He saw her meet with Randy. Hayley told Randy that she needed more of the serum because she put the last bit of it in Bill’s salad. Bill thought about Naomi telling him that Hayley was cheating on him. Randy gave Hayley the vial. Elon and Jacob talked about Lia Whitmore getting killed in her cell. It looked like she overdosed, but Jacob thought The Impaler did It. Randy talked to Joey about the Impaler and thought she got to Lia too. Joey wanted Randy to keep quiet about it. Smitty met up with Jacob. He told Smitty about his suspicions of The Impaler. Smitty said he met with Lia the day before and she seemed desperate. Jacob told Smitty to watch his back since he helped bring down the plasma ring. Joey wanted Heather to tell him what happened with Lia. Heather said Lia was less trouble dead. She blamed him for what happened since he wouldn’t let he deal with Smitty. Joey said he was afraid that she was going to leave a trail of bodies which would lead the police to his door. Heather said this death would make people think twice about snitching. Elon showed up and asked what Joey knew about The Impaler.

 

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BTG Short Recap Wednesday, August 26, 2026

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Recap written by Michele & Cheryl

Heather wanted Andre to come to her hotel room. She didn’t like the new version of him. Heather said that her friendship with Dani was a coincidence. Andre didn’t believe her. Heather got tired of playing games and threw herself at him. She let him know that she wanted him. Heather warned him that it wouldn’t end well if he kept rejecting her. Dani and Vanessa talked about what was bothering Andre. Vanessa wondered if the problem wasn’t concerning Europe. She thought it might be something recent, and he confessed to having an affair. Dani said they would deal with it. Vanessa wondered if Dani would confess to her affair. Heather called to see if Dani and Vanessa wanted to get a drink. They turned her down. Heather became enraged and threw a fit in her hotel room.

Ted wanted Carlton to cover for him at a pier review session. Carlton wanted to know why so Ted told him that he was meeting Shanice’s brothers. He wondered if Ted was going to get married again. Andre showed up to talk to Ted. He wondered how he lived with what he did to Nicole years ago. Andre almost told him about Heather, but he decided not to do it. After his conversation with Ted, Andre decided to tell Dani the truth. He looked down at his phone and saw a threatening message from Heather. She warned him that the clock was ticking. Ted apologized to Nicole for what he did to her. He said he gave parts to another woman that belonged to her. Ted apologized for failing as a husband and a man. He felt like she deserved better. Carlton crossed paths with Heather at Uptown. They hooked up with each other.

 

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BTG Short Recap Monday, August 24, 2026

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Recap written by Michele & Cheryl

Dani and Hayley argued over Bill. Madison was working on Bill’s case. Chelsea was upset because she thought Allison was stalking her again. Bill found out that he could leave the hospital. Hayley was happy to hear it. She decided to make snide comments at Ashley. Bill was advised to get into a rehab program, but he refused to do it. Later Hayley took Bill home and started giving him more drugs. She told him to ignore the doctor’s advice about exercising. Naomi and Chelsea arrived at Bill’s house to see their father. Hayley wasn’t happy about it since they didn’t call first. She walked out of the room and listened to their conversation. Bill grabbed for his chest and collapsed. Chelsea said he was dead. It turned out that Hayley was dreaming about Bill dying. Kat went to Jacob to find out if Allison could have escaped or got access to a phone. Jacob called to confirm that Allison was still locked up. The warden was going to search for a phone or anything else Allison could have. Vernon and Anita were planning a birthday party for Naomi. They wondered if she would work for her father. Dani arrived, and she told them about Bill getting released from the hospital. Anita told her that she and Vernon were concerned about how close she was getting to Bill.

 

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BTG Short Recap Thursday, August 27, 2026

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Recap written by Michelle & Cheryl

Nicole and Ted talked about Kat and Tomas’ relationship. They would have been more supportive of the relationship if Tomas hadn’t slept with Eva. Tomas talked to Eva about his problems with Naomi. While they were talking, Kat came up. June wanted to talk to Naomi about a legal matter, but she wasn’t at Bill’s office. Bill wanted to help her because she was family. When Naomi went to Bill’s office, she ripped into him for returning back to work too soon. He told her about June’s friend’s case. Naomi said she would take the case without his help. Kat and Nicole caught up with each other. Nicole said she loved the new bag for ChelseaKat, but she didn’t like the name. She said Leslie would enjoy that too much. They ended up talking about Izaiah and how close Kat keeps getting to him. Later on, Kat met up with Izaiah at Orphey Gene’s. Tomas went to the office for a meeting with Bill only to find out that it was rescheduled so Bill could work with Naomi on a new case. When Eva went to Orphey Gene’s, she saw Kat and Izaiah together.

 

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Days Short Recap Friday, August 28, 2026

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Recap written by Michele and Cheryl

Arianna met with Kate at the pub to let her know what she overheard between Johnny and EJ. She was freaked out by what EJ said, but Kate was interested in it. Kate advised her to ask Holly. Jack arrived at the pub to meet with Kate. He wanted to consider her as the new editor for the Spectator. Belle got ready for her trip to Italy. Marlena wasn’t thrilled with her going. She hoped Belle and Chad enjoyed themselves while they were in Italy. Marlena thought about the trip she took to Italy with John. She remembered making a wish in the fountain with the coin she found at John’s grave. Marlena gave Belle the coin to make her feel close to John. Xander got the Kirakis mansion ready for the sale. Sarah wondered if he needed help. Holly arrived and told them about her conversation with EJ. She almost told EJ everything. Xander and Sarah promised to help. Sarah ranted about EJ to Xander. She left the Kiriakis mansion to head to EJ’s place.

Sarah went to see EJ and yelled at him for what he did to Holly. She told him that he was losing the hospital to Gwen of all people. EJ tried to get under her skin by reminding her that Gwen was with Xander. His plan didn’t work with her. She got in his face and threatened him if he did anything to her family. Sarah warned him that karma was coming for him. Marlena and Steve talked about Belle and Chad going to Italy. She wanted to hire Steve to find out who was working for Stefano and what they wanted. Marlena thought it was the right thing to go to Italy, but she didn’t want Belle putting herself in danger. Steve told her that Belle was doing what John would do. Arianna found Holly to ask her about EJ. Holly lied to her about what happened.

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BTG Short Recap Tuesday, August, 25, 2026

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Recap written by Michelle & Cheryl

At Uptown, Heather went up to Martin and Smitty. Randy was watching them together. Heather said she was a fan of Martin and Smitty. When Heather left, Randy called Joey. He told Randy to keep following her. When Randy was about to leave Uptown, Heather stopped him. She told him it was time they met since he had been following her for days. Later on, Heather went to see Joey. He asked her why she was in town. Heather said she was disbanding the plasma ring. She said there was a guy she was interested in. While they were talking, Andre texted her. Chelsea was afraid that Allison was stalking her again. Izaiah showed up while Chelsea and Kat were talking. Kat struggled to say something nice about Eva. While Dani and Vanessa were talking about Joey’s sister, Andre was uncomfortable. They wondered why Joey didn’t want anything to do with Heather. Andre said you shouldn’t trust everyone, When Andre left, Dani was scared that he knew the truth. Vanessa convinced her that Andre didn’t know anything. Dani wondered what was going on with Andre. He went to see Heather. She told him she knew he couldn’t stay away. Kat told Chelsea that Jacob checked on Allison and said she was locked up and didn’t have access to a phone. Allison was shown writing a love letter to Chelsea.

 

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Days Short Recap Thursday, August 27, 2026

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Recap written by Michele and Cheryl

Alex dropped Kelsey off with Bonnie. He wanted to surprise Stephanie with a romantic night by going to Jada’s place. Stephanie wasn’t there so he decided to text her. She woke up in a strange bed. Stephanie realized that she and Theo were on the bed together, but they were dressed. She panicked when she realized that Alex texted her. Stephanie was glad they were there for each other, but they made a mistake by spending the night together. She asked him not to say anything to Alex. Stephanie rushed to the pub to meet with Alex. Alex apologized to her and promised to make an effort. He cut himself off when he realized that she was wearing the same outfit she had on the day before. She implied that she stayed with her parents because Jada and Shawn hooked up at the apartment. He was relieved because he thought he lost her. She insisted that he wasn’t going to lose her. They apologized to each other. Alex promised to do more to fix what happened.

Holly confronted EJ at the town square. She ripped into him about going after the Kiriakis family. Holly blamed him for why her grandmother was losing her home. EJ explained that there was still a chance to save everything. Holly stormed off but not before she let it slip that the Kiriakis’ found a buyer for the mansion. EJ got on the phone with Rita to find out about the buyer. He wanted everything. Paulina went to visit Chanel and Johnny. She was surprised when she saw the baby’s full name (Olivia Alexandra). They explained that they wanted to honor Lexie for Theo and Abe. Paulina didn’t let on that it hurt. Chanel asked how Theo and Abe were doing. She noticed how uncomfortable Johnny became. The trio talked about EJ and Lexie secrets. Johnny asked Paulina to get ice. While Paulina was gone, Johnny told Chanel his secret about Lexie. Chanel understood that he was trying to honor his aunt’s wishes. She wanted to know if he was keeping anymore secrets. Theo walked in the room so Johnny didn’t answer her question. Johnny went to DiMera Enterprises so they could talk. Chanel checked on Theo. He said it was weird losing Lexie a second time. Paulina came back in the room and asked Theo how his father was doing. Theo thought she should ask him that herself. Paulina thought Abe should come to her if he wanted to talk to her. She didn’t like Johnny’s secret, and Chanel didn’t like it either. Johnny wanted to talk to EJ at the office. He let his father know that everyone knew that he knew that EJ hid Lexie. Johnny let him know that people weren’t happy about it. He said that he lied to Chanel about keeping more secrets about Kristen, Coriseal, and Holly. Arianna happened to walk by and heard them talking. She managed not to hear what EJ did, but she heard him say that Holly didn’t need to know anything about it.

 

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Days Short Recap Wednesday, August 26, 2026

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Recap written by Michele and Cheryl

Cat went to see EJ. He told her what happened with Lexie and how she wanted to die alone. EJ said the role he played in losing Lexie was unbearable. Cat comforted him and told him it was harder for him with Kristen missing. When Cat asked if he knew where Kristen was, EJ said he didn’t know. He said he was thinking about his relationships with his siblings and was feeling regretful. At the pub, Theo and Abe mourned Lexie. While they were talking, Theo told Abe that he was disappointed in Johnny. He told Abe that he thought Johnny and EJ were hiding something. Abe was sorry that he had to deal with the DiMeras. Roman came over to offer his condolences. Abe talked to Roman about Lexie’s final wishes. Theo wanted to take a walk. Abe told Roman that Lexie wanted a party at the pub. Roman said he and Kate would love to do it.

Belle and Marlena talked about her trip to Italy. She told Marlena that Stefano wouldn’t hurt his son or Marlena’s daughter. Marlena said Stefano was dead. Belle said someone was working on Stefano’s behalf. She said it might be Rolf and he would never do anything to hurt Chad. Marlena said Stefano tried to play this game years ago with a chess set and a missing queen. She told Belle that she refused the game. Belle thought it was connected. She told Marlena she was doing it for her father as well as for her. Alex checked on Stephanie to see how she was after giving blood. Stephanie said Theo took care of her. Alex said he saw her cuddling with Theo. Stephanie said she saw him cuddling with Joy. She suggested that they go their separate ways for now. Alex decided to leave. Later on, Stephanie went back to the apartment. Jada and Shawn were spending time together so she left. She ran into Alex who wanted to talk. Stephanie told him he could be there for her or Joy, but he couldn’t do both. Before she walked off, she told him he couldn’t separate Joy and Kelsey. Theo and Stephanie ran into each other in the park. He wanted to know what was wrong. She told him what happened. Theo invited her to go home with him. Stephanie hesitated at first but agreed to go home with him.

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Days Update Tuesday, August 11, 2026

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Update written by Joseph

A man goes to Paulina’s office and introduces himself as Devlin St. John. Paulina says that doesn’t ring any bells. He tells her that Abe named a sewage plant after him in his honor and that he is the chief water inspector of Salem which is why he’s here because he needs to talk to her about water.

Theo sits at home until he gets a phone call from his Grandma Celeste. Theo tells her that he was wondering if Lexie talked to her about coming to visit. Theo claims nothing is wrong and that he was planning a surprise visit to New York for her and is trying to figure out her schedule without asking her. Theo says he has to get back to work, but he will call her so they can all talk together. Theo then hangs up as Abe enters the room and asks if Lexie was on the phone.

Chad goes to the DiMera Mansion and finds Cat in the living room. Cat informs Chad that EJ is sick in bed upstairs but he insisted on her getting documents to the hospital. Chad asks if she’s still cleaning up that mess. Cat comments that EJ isn’t giving up the hospital without a fight, even if it means battling through a nasty case of the flu. Chad mentions hearing that was going around. Cat adds that EJ’s doctor was there earlier, called in a prescription, and instructed him to rest, so she hopes he listens. Chad hopes Cat doesn’t get sick too. Cat shows that she brought a box of face masks to be prepared, joking that being quarantined with a DiMera is a drag.

Belle and Marlena are at the Brady Pub. Belle asks if there’s any word on Kristen. Marlena tells her that Brady spoke to her yesterday and that Kristen claimed she was leaving town by choice. Belle asks if she said why. Marlena says that if she did, Brady wasn’t sharing. Belle calls it very suspicious for Kristen to take off right after Rachel got out of Bayview and wonders if Kristen is in some kind of trouble. Marlena says it seems there is more going on than they are aware of, but their job is to keep an eye on Rachel. Belle suggests a girls night or going to the county fair which Marlena says she would love. Marlena asks Belle about her trip to Europe. Belle says it’s been postponed since Chad had a commitment with Charlotte and she tried to rearrange her schedule, but she isn’t sure she could get away then. Marlena then questions if Belle is thinking about going by herself.

Dimitri makes a call about transferring his guests to their new accommodations very soon. Dimitri tells Leo and Gwen that they can clip things right along and talks about not buying Leo’s performance. Leo recalls a similar performance working at the hospital when they had to remove Dimitri’s ankle monitor. Dimitri remarks that they worked better as a team while Gwen was unconvincing. Dimitri talks about getting ready to move them while Leo warns that he’s fighting a losing battle as the ISA will catch him and rescue them no matter where they are. Dimitri says he doesn’t think so since their new digs will be more fortified and remote, so he doesn’t think anyone will ever find them again. Rafe then arrives, announcing someone already has. Leo is relieved to see Rafe and says he knew he’d come. Leo declares that they are now saved but Rafe says he wouldn’t be so sure about that. Dimitri’s guard then enters with his gun pulled on Rafe. Dimitri tells Rafe that he nor anyone else will ever get one up on him. Rafe responds that Gwen already has. Dimitri remarks that even he knows what Gwen did to him. Gwen tells him to save it as Rafe is there for them, not him. Rafe clarifies that he’s not there to rescue them and that he came in and voluntarily handed over his gun. Rafe declares that he’s here in the name of justice, not to bring Dimitri in. Rafe adds that he actually needs Dimitri’s help.

Devlin brings up to Paulina the complaints about a contaminated well on Smith Island. Paulina says that she understood those issues have been remedied. Devlin asks if she’s sure about that and doesn’t have any concerns keeping her up at night. Paulina says she does not and asks if they should have concerns. Devlin says absolutely not and says that concludes their interaction as he thanks her. Paulina mentions having a meeting to get to while Devlin says the matter is now fully resolved as Paulina exits. Devlin then remarks that what Paulina doesn’t know won’t hurt her…

Belle tells Marlena that her office gets really busy in the fall. Marlena points out that she didn’t answer her question. Belle responds that Chad has to prioritize his children and she would never ask him to do otherwise, so she might go to Italy by herself. Belle argues that it’s not like she’s never traveled before. Marlena argues that this is a trip overseas to try and unravel a puzzle. Marlena would prefer that she just let Paul handle this. Belle points out that Paul is on assignment and this isn’t really something the ISA has time for while she does. Marlena continues to say no, so Belle asks why not. Belle argues that she’s the daughter of John Black and Marlena Evans, so if anyone is going to crack this mystery wide open, it’s her. Marlena responds that she doesn’t doubt her ability, but this was put in motion by Stefano which means it’s inherently unsafe, so she’d prefer that she let Paul handle this. Belle declares that she will handle this. Marlena asks that she just not go alone, so Belle asks Marlena to go with her.

Chad and Cat recall when they had strep throat together. Chad asks if he can borrow one of the face masks because he really needs to go up and see EJ. Cat asks if he’s sure since EJ is really sick and asks if he couldn’t just call him. Chad insists it being something he has to do in person. Cat asks if it’s anything she could help with if it’s hospital business. Chad responds that it’s unfortunately much bigger than that. Cat notes that it sounds serious. Chad reveals that his sister Kristen is missing and has disappeared in to thin air.

Theo claims to Abe that he was on the phone with Lani about his birthday. Theo then wishes Abe a happy birthday and hugs him, saying it’s been quite a year. Abe says there’s been some challenges but he’s very grateful to have Theo and Lexie back home. Abe suggests trying to call Lexie, but Theo brings up the time difference and the service being lousy. Abe points out that Celeste has wifi. Theo explains that she turns it off at night. Abe recalls Celeste telling him that Lexie was still present when they lost her and now they know why. The doorbell then rings, so Theo answers the door to find an envelope addressed to Abe. Theo tells Abe that it’s from Lexie.

Devlin St. John goes to see Julie and hopes she can clarify her decision to decontaminate the Horton cabin well. Julie explains that she was concerned that someone might be sickened from drinking the water there as family members were using the cabin. Devlin questions not waiting for official permission and argues that Julie’s acts were aggressively premature, as now the well is so chemically pure that it’s practically holy water. Devlin declares that Julie didn’t just clear the well, she’s obliterated the data, so now they will never actually know what was lurking down there.

Cat asks Chad if he’s sure that Kristen is missing. Chad responds that no one has heard from her and her phone’s been disconnected. Chad adds that Harold said she hasn’t been at the mansion in the last few days and he’s also checked with Belle, her mother, and EJ. Cat notes that EJ hasn’t said anything to her. Chad says he wouldn’t expect EJ to say anything. Cat asks Chad to keep her updated if he hears anything. Chad asks her to do the same, noting that he knows she’s loyal to EJ but this is really important. Cat says she understands and gives Chad one of her face masks as he heads upstairs.

Abe opens the envelope and reads his birthday card from Lexie along with a gift of a silver money clip with an infinity symbol on it. Abe explains to Theo how he and Lexie used to talk about how their love was infinite and would triumph over everything even death.

Chad returns to the living room and tells Cat that EJ was knocked out and looks terrible. Cat hopes the meds kick in and he’ll feel better when he wakes up. Chad guesses he’ll come back later. Chad stops and says he’d like to know that Kristen is okay before he might be going on a trip soon. Chad doesn’t like the idea of leaving his family when they’re a hot mess. Cat jokes that they always are. Cat asks where Chad might be going. Chad tells her that it’s Italy, so Cat asks if he’s taking Belle with him.

Belle urges Marlena to think about it, pointing out how Italy was special for Marlena and John, adding that they can see Sydney and Sami. Marlena tells Belle to stop selling her on this idea. Belle says she just thought they could have some fun. Marlena complains that Belle hasn’t stopped with this idea ever since hearing about the chess board. Belle apologizes for upsetting her and says she gets where she’s coming from and she knows the puzzle was intended for her parents. Belle argues that if John was here, he’d never let this go and see it through to the end, while Marlena would be right there with him.

Dimitri instructs his guard to wait outside as he questions what Rafe needs his help with. Rafe responds that he needs a statement from him because he has written proof that Gwen kidnapped him on US soil. Dimitri says he knew it. Rafe adds that Gwen wasn’t acting alone as she was conspiring with EJ, who was her partner in all of it. Gwen calls that an absolute lie and says she had nothing to do with it. Rafe points out that Gwen wrote the letter and signed it. Leo questions Rafe having the letter while Gwen questions what Leo has done. Leo tells Gwen that he went to her attorney because he thought she was dead. Gwen questions him giving the FBI the letter. Leo says he didn’t and explains that he left her thousands of messages, went to her room at the Salem Inn and found it empty, then went to find her attorney only to find out he was on vacation, so he turned to Melinda Trask who agreed to help, but when she went to open the document, it was completely blank. Leo asks how Rafe got the letter.

Julie tells Devlin that she wasn’t trying to impede his investigation. He gets that she was concerned with people not dying. Devlin talks about how water is everything. Julie assures that she doesn’t take water for granted. Julie adds that she has read that arsenic can sometimes leech in to a well from natural sources. Devlin points out that it can sometimes, but he doesn’t do maybe as he only deals in must and always. Julie questions what other explanation there could be for the contamination. Devlin responds that no one is closer to the situation than Julie is. He asks if she’s noticed any suspicious activity or irregularities in the area, like people who aren’t supposed to be there behaving like they are. Julie says she has not noticed any, which Devlin calls that excellent news so they can conclude it was a natural occurring event and the case is closed. Julie questions going off her say so. Devlin says he’s heard her say goes a long way in Salem. Julie says she’s not sure about that. Devlin thanks her for her time and exits, leaving Julie confused.

Theo asks if Abe has any plans for his birthday and offers to get them Cubs game tickets. Abe says he’d love to but Johnny and Chanel invited them out for dinner along with Lani while Eli is on assignment. Theo says he knows Abe doesn’t like people making a fuss over him, but he deserves a celebration. Abe responds that he’s just looking forward to being with his kids and maybe it will take his mind off Lexie. Theo says he has to go take care of some things, but he’ll see him later and be back in time for dinner. Theo wishes Abe a happy birthday as he then exits.

Cat tells Chad that she’s sorry as it’s none of her business. Chad says it’s fine and confirms that he is hoping to take Belle but they are still trying to sync their schedules up. Cat talks about Italy bein gorgeous this time of year. Cat says that no one deserves a vacation more than Chad and Belle. Cat guesses they are becoming more serious. Chad says you could say that and that they are taking it slow, but so far so good. Cat tells Chad that she’s really happy for him and hopes they have an amazing time. Cat tells him not to worry about his crazy family as she will keep an eye on them for him.

Marlena tells Belle that she is so John’s daughter, agreeing that he wouldn’t let go of this either. Marlena states that it sounds like no matter what she says, Belle is going to do this her way. Marlena asks her again not to go alone and tells her to take Chad and make sure they are both safe. Belle agrees and adds that she and Chad already said that if either of them feel in danger, they will stop. Belle gives Marlena her word. Marlena tells her that she just loves her so much.

Dimitri tells Rafe that he doesn’t really care about a letter as it’s entirely irrelevant to him. Rafe argues that it’s a signed confession, proving that Gwen and EJ kidnapped him. Rafe tells Dimitri that all he has to do is come back to Salem, but Dimitri says that’s not going to happen and he can’t force him. Rafe repeats that Gwen admitted in writing with EJ to not only kidnapping him, but a whole host of other crimes including using Dimitri’s money to buy the hospital so they could cover and conduct illegal medical experiments. Rafe asks if he has any idea how many charges the district attorney could throw at Gwen and EJ. Dimitri calls it a lovely offer but says he’s going to pass. Rafe understands that Dimitri could keep Gwen imprisoned here forever, but then EJ will skate on all his crimes. Rafe asks Dimitri if it wouldn’t be more satisfying to take down both EJ and Gwen and make them suffer behind bars for the rest of their miserable lives. Leo tells Dimitri that he has to do this, calling it the opportunity of a lifetime. Gwen complains but Leo says she’ll be fine as Rafe’s only after the big fish and her lawyer will get her out. Leo argues that EJ has hurt so many people and will continue to do so, unless somebody stops him. Leo tells Dimitri to think about all the future victims he would be saving and that he would be a hero. Rafe agrees that Dimitri would be doing the world a solid, but says to ignore what Leo said about Gwen because she is going down. Gwen argues that she’s the victim here of Dimitri’s kidnapping, so he’s the one who should be going down. Rafe reminds Dimitri that this is all about making Gwen pay for what she has done, but argues that EJ was her accomplice so he needs to pay too and it’s time that he finally gets on his knees and pays for what he has done. Rafe declares that whether that happens or not is all up to Dimitri.

Devlin St. John goes to the DiMera Mansion where Rita shows him to the living room and asks what she can do for him. Devlin introduces himself and says he’s the only thing standing in between this town and a catastrophic sewage failure. Rita realizes he’s there to see EJ and informs him that EJ is upstairs, sick with the flu. Devlin says he’ll be fine as he took his shots. Rita tells him that EJ is sleeping, but Devlin says he will wake him up. Rita says that wouldn’t be right and that EJ hates being awakened. Devlin says he would hate to file an official complaint, so Rita agrees to lead him to EJ.

Chad joins Belle at the Pub. Belle tells him that he just missed Marlena and asks if he got to see EJ. Chad says that he did, but he didn’t say anything about Kristen. Belle guesses EJ denied having any knowledge of where Kristen is, but Chad clarifies that EJ didn’t say anything because he was asleep with the flu. Belle jokes that’s a good way to avoid accountability. Chad says he would normally agree, but it didn’t look like he was faking it. Chad mentions seeing Cat there working which Belle admits makes her a little jealous.

Theo goes to the hospital and tells a nurse that he needs to speak with Kayla as it’s urgent, but she tells him that Kayla is in surgery. Marlena approaches and asks Theo if everything is alright. Theo says no and that he needs to talk to Kayla. Marlena asks what’s going on. Theo informs her that Lexie told he and Abe that she was going to visit Celeste in South Africa but he just found out she’s not there and that she lied to them. Marlena asks if Abe knows. Theo says not yet, since it’s his birthday and he didn’t want to say anything because he would freak out as he doesn’t know where she is or what’s going on. Theo tells Marlena that he thinks Lexie might be sick again and she was having follow up visits with Kayla, so he was hoping she might know something. Marlena reminds him that Kayla wouldn’t be able to say anything without Lexie’s permission. Theo then asks Marlena if she knows anything or if she has any idea where Lexie could be. Marlena responds that she’s sorry, but she doesn’t know where his mother is. Theo asks if she said anything that might have given her a clue. Marlena says no and wishes she could be more of a help. Theo asks her to let him know if Lexie reaches out. Marlena agrees to do so and tells him not to hesitate to ask if she can do anything for him. Theo thanks her and exits, leaving Marlena frustrated as Cat arrives and approaches Marlena. Cat asks if she can have a word with her.

Chad assures Belle that she has nothing to worry about with Cat, since what they had is in the past. Belle says she’s not normally jealous and points out that they haven’t really talked about how Chad and Cat were forced to break up. Chad admits he still had feelings for Cat when he signed the custody agreement and he hated being strong-armed in to promising to never being involved with Cat again, but it helped him move on and he accepted that it wasn’t in the cards. Belle asks how Cat took it. Chad says she understood and didn’t want to mess things up for he and the kids. Belle feels it still sounds hard for both of them. Chad thinks there was a time where they both wished things worked out differently, but it was a long time ago and he doesn’t see Cat like that anymore. Belle asks if Chad still cares about her. Chad says it’s more in a protective way now that Cat’s involved with EJ. Chad adds that the custody agreement was a long time ago and he’s met someone that he likes a lot. Belle responds that she likes him too as they kiss.

Rafe asks Dimitri what it’s going to be. Dimitri asks if he wants EJ badly. Rafe says this isn’t about him, but about all the people that EJ has hurt, kidnapped, stolen from, bribed, blackmailed, and assaulted. Rafe repeats that he’s not going to arrest Dimitri or detain him, he just needs his statement. Dimitri questions Gwen’s written confession not being enough. Rafe explains that he needs corroboration from the victim, adding that he won’t even need to be in Salem for 24 hours. Dimitri says if he comes, Gwen stays locked up here until she is to be arrested and charged. Rafe responds that it doesn’t work that way as Gwen will need to come with them. Dimitri decides then that there is no deal. Dimitri is sure EJ will wind up behind bars one way or another, but says that’s of no concern to him because his only goal in justice is very personal. Dimitri thanks Rafe, but says he will be handling this himself in Alamainia. Leo argues that what Gwen did to him was horrible, but what they did to her was just as bad. Dimitri argues that there’s no comparison and complains that Gwen had him abducted and held here because she got her feelings hurt. Gwen argues that it was genuine for her as she fell in love with him and married him while he was just pretending to love her while he was busy shagging her best friend. Dimitri says it’s beyond him how anyone could love Gwen. Gwen calls him a monster. Leo tells them both to stop it and declares they were just in a love triangle, but it’s over. Leo asks if they can just settle this and move on.

Marlena brings Cat to her office and asks what she wanted to talk about. Cat tells her that she couldn’t help but overhear Theo talking to her about Lexie and she has some information as she might know where Lexie is. Cat says she can’t blow her cover by telling Theo, but maybe Marlena can pass it on. Marlena agrees to do so and asks where Lexie is. Cat responds that she has reason to believe that Lexie is in the DiMera tunnels. Marlena asks why she would think that. Cat explains that when she went to the mansion, she saw EJ slipping in from the secret panel and yesterday, she overheard him saying something about keeping “her” comfortable. Marlena notes that EJ has held Lexie there before, so it makes sense that he would again. Marlena wonders about Dr. Rolf. Cat says that EJ is unwell at the moment and said something about Dr. Rolf not being around to treat him. Marlena brings up the tunnels being pretty vast. Cat says she would search herself but she doesn’t know her way around. Marlena agrees that Cat can’t risk getting caught. Cat states that Theo’s a DiMera so maybe there’s no risk to him and if his mother is down there, maybe he can find her.

Rita goes to EJ’s room and wakes him up, saying she’s sorry to bother him but this is a fire she can’t put out as someone from the city is here to see him. EJ questions what it’s about. Devlin walks in and says he has no time to wait as this is a matter of extreme urgency. He introduces himself to EJ as the chief water inspector of Salem, including Smith Island, and says he has some pressing questions for EJ.

Belle tells Chad that she has news about their trip as she had a good talk with Marlena and promised that if she went to Italy, she would go with Chad and not go alone. Chad thought Belle had to wait until after his dance. Belle says she can’t now as she has to does what Marlena thinks is right and she’s finally accepting that she needs to do this, so she told her that they would go together. Chad agrees as he didn’t want Belle to go alone. Belle guesses they’ll just have to wait a few months. Chad hates the wait and wants to figure this out as much as she does. Belle says they could try to get creative. Belle shows Chad her loaded schedule and points out where she could get someone to fill in, so Chad says they could just take the DiMera Jet over to Italy then. They decide the problem is solved as they kiss.

Rita leaves the room to give EJ time with Devlin. EJ complains of being sick and this not being the ideal time for questions, adding that he’s probably spreading flu virus all over him as they speak. Devlin says as water inspector, he’s exposed to pathogens all the time so his immune system is built up. He tells EJ that this is a urgent health crisis and that he was talking to an old friend during a golf outing. He asks EJ if he’s familiar with Coriseal. EJ acknowledges it as a drug produced by DiMera Pharmaceuticals. Devlin then reveals his outing was with George, the head of DiMera Pharmaceuticals, who told him after having some drinks that he and EJ were involved in a coverup involving a bad batch of Coriseal. Devlin adds that George said EJ would kill him if he learned that he told him as he knows where all the bodies are buried and now he does too.

Marlena thanks Cat for sharing this with her. Cat adds that she hates to be the bearer of bad news, but from what she’s gathered, Lexie is dying. Marlena responds that she sadly thinks that’s true. Cat says her heart goes out to Theo as she knows what it’s like to have a mother slipping away, so it’s more important than ever for Theo to be with her now. Marlena agrees and hopes he has that option.

Theo returns home, where Abe notes that didn’t take long and asks if he’s alright. Theo responds that he’s not, so Abe asks what’s wrong. Theo informs Abe that he just found out Lexie is not at Grandma’s and that she’s missing.

Leo tells Dimitri that he knows he’s angry and hurt, but this needs to stop and he has to let it go. Dimitri asks why when Gwen took years off his life. Leo questions wanting to waste more on this. Dimitri argues that it’s not just that she put him in prison for a year, she stole his one chance at love and happiness. Dimitri declares that if he was able to come home to Leo after prison, they could’ve been together forever, but Gwen destroyed that and he will never forgive her for that. Leo asks Dimitri if he will make a deal with him. Dimitri says he’s listening. Leo then tells Dimitri that if he lets Gwen and Rafe go, he will stay here with him.

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Days Short Recap Tuesday, August 25, 2026

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Recap written by Michele and Cheryl

Leo found Gwen at the town square. Gwen was upset about Lexie dying. Leo thought she was upset because she lost money. Gwen didn’t want him to bring up the subject. Leo just wanted to help. He thought Leo could ruin her chance to get the hospital. Gwen believed that she could handle it. Jack arrived and thanked Leo for saving his daughter. He wanted to give Leo a hug. Gwen froze until Leo practically pushed her into Jack’s arms. Leo left them alone to talk. Jack wanted to work on their relationship. He informed her that Jennifer gave her blessing for him to work things out with Gwen. Jack told her that JJ wanted to work on their relationship too just like Thomas and Charlotte. Philip called Gabi to let her know that he was going to the poker game. He was going to tell her about it later. Javi let Gabi know that Gus moved out of the house. He said that he moved on from Leo and loved Gus. Gabi told him that Gus left him the same way he left Leo. She thought that Gus was treating him the same way he treated Leo. Gabi continued to give Javi advice about Leo and Gus. She told him that she was going for a walk. Philip walked into the Kiriakis mansion and told Xander not to sell yet because he had a plan. Kate arrived, and Philip was being mysterious to them. He didn’t want to tell them what he was doing. Philip said to give him a week before he sold the mansion. Kate wanted to make sure that he wasn’t doing something illegal.

Sarah wanted to know if Brady’s offer to move in with him was still an option. Brady was thrilled to have her stay with him. She dreaded telling Xander. Later Sarah met with Xander and told him that she was staying with Brady. Xander took the news surprisingly well. Kate ran into Brady and apologized to him for not being able to save Basic Black. She let him know that she was staying at the pub. Brady told him that Sarah was staying with him temporarily. Philip met with Gabi to let her know that he could go to Monte Carlo as soon as the money cleared. Gabi told him that she could go to Monte Carlo too. He let her know that guests weren’t allowed to go. Gabi warned him to make it work, or the deal was off. Xander called Maggie to let her know about the mansion. Maggie told him that she had to stay longer because Melissa wasn’t doing any better. Sarah showed up and started packing. Xander squeezed his stress ball until it broke.

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Days Short Recap Monday, August 24, 2026

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Recap written by Michele and Cheryl

Chanel and Johnny named their daughter Olivia after Chanel’s grandmother. Cat went to see Marlena. While they were talking, Cat was willing to reschedule her appointment because of what happened to Lexie. Marlena wouldn’t reschedule and thanked her for her help with finding Lexie. Marlena put Cat under hypnosis. Cat remembered talking to EJ about Clyde and him finding out that she was ISA. Once out of the hypnosis, Cat was afraid that she admitted to being an ISA to EJ. She thought EJ would remember since he remembered Wundering Heights. Marlena advised her to talk to Andrew and Rafe and to stop seeing EJ. Kayla told Steve about Lexie. Steve said there was something suspicious about Kristen’s disappearance and Lexie’s death. He told Kayla that he wanted to find out what EJ had to do with it

EJ took out the letters that Lexie wanted Abe and Theo to have when she died. Rolf walked in. He said he couldn’t stay away. Rolf said he was keeping tabs on what was going on. EJ ripped into Rolf for overstating his miracle drug. He was upset with Rolf for trusting him and letting him use Lexie as a guinea pig and losing out on billions of dollars. Rolf vowed to never resurrect anyone else. Later on, EJ gave Abe and Theo their letters. Abe read Lexie’s final wishes. She wanted a party instead of a funeral. Steve and Kayla offered their condolences. EJ told them that Rolf wasn’t going to resurrect anyone again. Theo went to see Chanel, Johnny, and the baby. He let them know that Lexie died. Chanel wanted to name the baby after Lexie. Abe and Theo read their letters. Lexie told Theo that she was proud of him and left him a necklace. She wanted him to give it to his wife. In Abe’s letter, Lexie told him being with him was a miracle. She reminded him that Paulina was still there. Marlena was at the hospital to see the baby. While she was there, she saw Abe and comforted him. EJ and Marlena ran into each other. He told Marlena that Rolf wasn’t going to resurrect people. Marlena didn’t believe it because Stefano was obsessed with bringing people back from the grave.

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Days Update Monday, August 10, 2026

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Update written by Joseph

Paulina brings Trey home to Chanel. Chanel talks about being so happy to have him home and that he’s no longer sick as she thanks Paulina for taking care of him.

Lani goes to Jada’s office at the police station. Lani mentions missing working there. Jada tells her that her fellow officers miss her too and asks if she can help her with something. Lani says she has a favor that Paulina asked her to do. Lani then tells Jada that she’s looking for a potential missing person in Lexie Carver.

Theo is at the DiMera Enterprises office and calls Lexie, leaving a message that he knows she said she would call him. Theo hopes she’s having a good visit with her mom and hangs up. Johnny then arrives and asks if he’s okay. Theo responds that he’s not because something is wrong with his mom.

EJ is coughing at home in the living room of the DiMera Mansion until Cat arrives. EJ greets her and says that Rita told her she stopped by the day before. Cat confirms that Rita said he was too busy to see her. EJ responds that she was mistaken because he’s never too busy for Cat.

Alex tells Stephanie that while Joy is in the hospital, he will take care of Kelsey. Stephanie asks if Joy was okay with her being around Kelsey. Alex then reveals that Stephanie won’t be and that he will just be moving in to Joy’s room above the Pub while she’s in the hospital, but Stephanie says no and tells Alex that he will not. Alex questions what she means. Stephanie tells Alex that he and Kelsey can stay at their place. Alex questions how that will work. Stephanie then announces that she won’t be there because she’s moving out.

Chanel puts Trey down for a nap. Paulina asks how she’s feeling. Chanel responds that she feels better than she has in a long time. Chanel then reveals to Paulina that the doctor has scheduled her induction, so in three weeks, Paulina will officially have another grandbaby and it won’t be long now.

Lani tells Jada about Lexie going to see her mom alone and insisting that Abe not go with her, while she’s also missing Abe’s birthday. Jada agrees that it’s weird but not grounds for an investigation. Lani insists that her gut is telling her something is wrong. Jada tells her that if Abe and Theo both can’t reach Lexie, they can come in to file a report and they can start an investigation from there. Jada questions asking her for resources for personal use which Lani acknowledges is misconduct and apologizes for putting her in that position. Lani decides this was a mistake and goes to leave, but Jada stops her.

Johnny thought Lexie was visiting Celeste in South Africa. Theo says that’s what she said. Johnny guesses this is about her not wanting them to come along which Theo confirms. Theo reveals he thinks Lexie didn’t want them to go with her because she’s not in South Africa at all.

EJ asks what he can do for Cat. Cat informs him that an envelope was dropped off at the hospital from the board with details about the case against him. Cat adds that she’s available to help him deal with whatever’s inside. EJ thanks her but says he doesn’t have the energy to deal with the board right now. Cat asks if he’s okay. EJ responds that he’s just fighting off a cold. Cat informs EJ that when she stopped by last night, she saw the secret panel closing behind him and Rita couldn’t get rid of her fast enough. Cat says that has her wondering what’s going on down there and with him.

Alex doesn’t want Stephanie to move out. Stephanie argues that Kelsey’s mom is in the hospital and he needs to be with his daughter. Alex questions why she’s bailing on him and on them, arguing that it’s their place. Stephanie points out that she’s not on the lease and argues that he and Kelsey will be more comfortable in his own place. Alex asks where she’s going to go. Stephanie says she’ll figure it out. Alex questions if she’s moving out or leaving him.

Paulina encourages that Chanel is almost at the finish line while Chanel points out that after giving birth, she’ll have more chemo and more surgeries. Paulina says she’ll feel better when she’s not worried about the baby inside her. Paulina talks about Chanel not being able to enjoy her pregnancy and says she hates that they never threw her a baby shower. Chanel insists that the party for Trey was enough. At the mention of a party, Paulina brings up that tomorrow is Abe’s birthday and she’s wondering if he planned to celebrate at all with Lexie out of town.

Jada tells Lani that what she told her wasn’t enough for an investigation but it is enough to issue a welfare check on Lexie, pointing out that she could’ve become disoriented or confused after her recent re-emergence. Lani mentions Abe and Theo being worried. Jada says she’ll see what they can figure out. Lani thanks her and exits the office.

Johnny questions why Theo would think Lexie isn’t in South Africa. Theo responds that when he just called her, there was no international dial tone. Johnny agrees that’s odd but says that would mean she’s somewhere in the States and questions why she would lie about where she was going. Theo says he has no idea why or where she is.

EJ tells Cat that he was just taking care of some family business. Cat questions doing that in the tunnels. EJ says it’s nothing she needs to worry about. Cat argues that he asked her to be his personal assistant and questions how she is supposed to do her job if she’s not kept in the know. EJ assures that she will know everything she needs to know.

Stephanie clarifies that she’s not leaving Alex, just the apartment for now. Alex calls that a relief but questions where she will stay. Stephanie says she’s sure Jada will let her crash for a little while. Alex says that would be great since she’s right across the hall. Stephanie remarks that she might want to check with Joy on that first and make sure she’s not too close. Alex assures that she’ll be fine with it. Stephanie asks if he’s sure about that because she doesn’t want to mess up his custody situation any more than she already has. Alex says he knows it sucks, but that doesn’t mean they won’t get to spend time together. Stephanie mocks that they’ll just be able to chat as they pass each other in the hallway. Alex insists it will be more than that and adds that he’s not going to be with Kelsey 24/7, pointing out that he still has to work so he’s sure there will be babysitters, family, and eventually Joy will be well enough to have Kelsey at the hospital. Stephanie jokes that Joy will want him to stay and fluff her pillows. Alex promises they will figure this out, make time for each other, and get through this. Alex tells Stephanie that he loves her as they kiss.

Chanel tells Paulina that she could text Theo to see what Abe has planned for his birthday, but questions if Paulina would really want to be a part of that. Paulina explains that she got Abe a gift before everything and it’s personalized so she can’t return it. Chanel says she should give it to him then but Paulina doesn’t want him to get the wrong idea. Paulina admits she still has feelings for Abe but wishes she didn’t because she doesn’t know what to do with those feelings.

Theo calls his Grandma Celeste and leaves a message to get back to him when she gets it. Theo hangs up and tells Johnny that Celeste did have an international dial tone. Johnny points out that he didn’t mention Lexie in his message. Theo says he didn’t want to worry her. Johnny encourages that maybe one of them will call him back. Lani then arrives and greets them. Theo asks what brings her by. Lani responds that she was thinking about him saying he was worried about his mom. Theo informs Lani that he’s a little more than worried now because he’s pretty sure Lexie is not in South Africa at all. Lani doesn’t think so either, so Theo asks if she knows something. Lani brings up Theo saying she was heading to the airport, but there are no flights or reservations in her name. Johnny asks if she could track her location but Lani says her geolocation was turned off. Theo asks about the rideshare she took. Lani says it took her straight to the Salem airfield. Johnny suggests she could’ve taken the DiMera Jet but Lani says it’s unlikely since Chad used it to send Leo to Alamainia to search for Gwen. Theo questions Gwen and Lexie both missing. Lani points out Kristen too. Theo asks if she thinks all of these disappearances are related. Lani says it would be awfully coincidental if they aren’t.

Cat questions if EJ means she won’t get to know everything. EJ starts to complain about feeling hot, so Cat pours him some water. Cat hopes he realizes he can trust her. Cat says she knows who he is and she’s okay with it. EJ says he’s very happy to hear her say that because he knows who she is too.

Johnny questions Lani thinking that Gwen, Lexie, and Kristen’s disappearances are all connected. Lani explains that Jada believes Gwen’s disappearance is due to Dimitri, but Lexie and Kristen, two sisters both disappearing like this is suspicious. Johnny decides he will call EJ to see what he knows. Theo notes that EJ had Lexie in the beginning, so he wouldn’t be surprised if he had some sort of involvement now. Lani asks if Johnny thinks he can get EJ to talk. Johnny says he’ll do his best and keep them posted as he exits. Theo asks if Lani thinks Lexie is okay. Lani says she hopes so as she hugs him.

Jada gets dressed at home as Stephanie arrives at her door and tells her she looks great. Jada informs her that she and Shawn were heading out to dinner and Shawn was on his way home now. Stephanie worries that it’s a bad time. Jada says she always has time for her BFF and asks what’s going on. Stephanie then tells her that her life is falling apart.

Alex walks Kelsey through the town square and runs in to Chanel with Trey. They talk about getting their babies to sleep. Chanel asks if he’s on solo dad duty. Alex confirms that he is for the foreseeable future because Joy’s not doing too well after her car accident and she’s in the hospital where she might have to have neck surgery. Chanel remarks that she’s sorry to hear that and then asks if this means Alex and Stephanie are in charge. Alex clarifies that Joy has made it very clear that she doesn’t want Stephanie involved in taking care of Kelsey, so it’s just him. Chanel asks how that’s going to work. Alex says that’s a good question. Chanel encourages that he’s got this, pointing out that she’s being a mom while 8 months pregnant and dealing with cancer. Alex can’t believe he was feeling bad for himself while she’s going through all that. Chanel says she’s just saying that she’s had an army of help, so it may be her turn to give back, so if Alex needs help, she can help but Alex says no way.

Theo complains to Lani that it just doesn’t make any sense since Lexie was so happy to be back and around he and Abe, so he questions why she would suddenly disappear, especially after all the time they already lost. Theo questions if she doesn’t want to be around them anymore or if they did something wrong. Lani says she may not know why but she knows for a fact it wasn’t because of them since Lexie loves Theo and Abe more than anything in the world. Theo asks if there’s something she’s not telling him. Lani says it’s just a theory and it might not be easy for him to hear.

EJ tells Cat that he knows she is someone he can count on. Cat tells him to count on her then for anything and everything as she wants to help him, however she can. Johnny arrives and says he needs to speak to his father alone. Cat says she will take the files up to EJ’s study and catch up on e-mails. EJ thanks her as she exits. EJ asks Johnny if it’s about what they were discussing earlier. Johnny questions what EJ knows about Lexie’s disappearance.

Alex tells Chanel it’s very kind of her to offer, but he can’t let her help him. Alex says he knows he’s inexperienced with babies, but he wants to take care of his own daughter. Chanel argues they all need help sometimes and she’s done with chemo until after giving birth and she has the energy, so she’d love to watch Kelsey if he needs help. Alex agrees to keep it in mind. Chanel says they should at least do a play date. Alex admits he loves that idea.

Stephanie asks Jada if she’s sure she’s okay with her crashing on her couch. Jada says absolutely not and that she will take the guest room. Stephanie asks what about Shawn. Jada informs her that Shawn has recently vacated that room. Stephanie tells Jada that she’s so happy for them. Jada responds that she’s pretty damn happy herself. Jada says a few months ago, she wouldn’t believe this would happen but life has a way of circling back. Stephanie asks if she’s sure she’s okay without a third wheel cramping her style. Jada says Stephanie did the same when she needed a place, so she’s returning the favor. Stephanie thanks her and says she’ll do her best to stay out of her way. Jada questions if Stephanie thinks moving out of her place is the right thing to do. Stephanie assures that it is and it might be the only way to save her marriage.

Johnny tells EJ that both of his sisters are missing and since EJ just recently tried to have Kristen kidnapped, he has a hard time believing he doesn’t know something about Lexie’s disappearance. Johnny demands that EJ tell him what he knows. EJ reveals that Lexie helped Kristen escape before she could be transported to the DiMera private island. Johnny questions how. EJ explains that they came up with a plan to switch places so Kristen could avoid the consequences. Johnny asks if Lexie got on the plane instead of Kristen. EJ adds that Lexie planned to go to the island instead to live out her final days which Johnny questions. EJ reveals that Lexie doesn’t have much time left. Johnny asks if Lexie is just on the island, living out her last days alone then. EJ admits that he got to her and got her to convince him to let him bring her back, so she’s down in the tunnels. Johnny doesn’t understand why Lexie wants to leave Abe and Theo. EJ explains that she wanted to spare them the pain of watching her die all over again. Johnny can’t believe Lexie is dying. EJ admits that Dr. Rolf’s miracle cure wasn’t the miracle they hoped it would be.

Lani explains to Theo that when she was on her way to the bookstore, she saw Lexie alone and she didn’t look well, feeling she looked weak or disoriented. Lani asks if Theo ever noticed that. Theo recalls their game night when she dropped a glass but just blamed it on being clumsy and then she dropped a Christmas ornament. Theo wonders if there’s a problem with the drug she was taking. Lani says that’s what she was thinking since she was the first patient. Theo questions why Lexie didn’t tell anyone if she was feeling ill. Lani suggests maybe she didn’t want to worry he or Abe after everything they had been through. Theo brings up Dr. Rolf bringing Lexie back and wonders if she flew somewhere to meet him or get treatment. Lani calls that very possible. Theo worries about Lexie being sick. Lani encourages just finding her and bringing her home.

Johnny complains that Theo sent him to talk to EJ and questions what the hell he’s supposed to tell him. EJ responds that he’s clever, so he’ll think of something. Johnny asks if there’s nothing he can do to save Lexie. EJ responds that Dr. Rolf has done everything in his power and at this point, all they can do is make her feel comfortable. Johnny calls it not fair. EJ agrees, but says as heartbreaking as it is, there’s a certain relief that she can’t tell anyone what she knows. Johnny remarks that he was just starting to think EJ had a soul and storms out. EJ goes after him as Cat peeks back in to the room. Johnny shouts that Lexie shouldn’t be alone down there and that Abe and Theo should be with her. EJ agrees and says he told her she was making a mistake, but she thinks this would be kinder, so he owes it to her to honor her dying wish. EJ declares that he made her a promise, while Johnny says that he didn’t as he exits the mansion.

Alex and Chanel watch over their babies as Alex jokes about them going to Salem High as the class of 2043. Alex says he should be getting home as Kelsey is still getting used to his place. They joke about how they’ve grown up since their adventurous days. Chanel reminds Alex to take care of himself because if he’s burned out, he’s no good to anyone. Chanel adds that she’s there if he ever needs to talk. Alex hugs her and thanks her. Chanel warns Alex not to let Joy mess with his marriage the way she tried to mess with hers and to keep his eyes open. Alex thanks her as he walks away with Kelsey.

Jada asks if Stephanie is sure that living across the hall from Alex won’t make things worse. Stephanie responds that she’s not sure of anything right now, but she’ll see how it goes and she can always move back in with her parents if she has to. Jada guesses Alex will be the primary caregiver while Joy recovers. Stephanie acknowledges that Alex takes taking care of Kelsey very seriously. Stephanie admits she has a fear that if Alex had to choose between her or his daughter, she’s not sure she’d ever stand a chance.

Cat returns to EJ in the living room. EJ coughs, so Cat checks his head and feels that he’s burning up. EJ says he’ll be fine. Cat asks if Dr. Rolf is in the house and offers to go get him from the secret room to check on him. EJ responds that Dr. Rolf isn’t there. Cat decides she will help EJ to bed then, so they head upstairs.

Theo tells Lani that if Lexie is with Dr. Rolf, maybe the police will find them. Lani argues that they’ve been looking for Rolf for weeks, so she doesn’t think they will find him unless he wants to be found. Theo questions if they are just supposed to sit around and wait for Lexie to call him back then. Johnny returns to the office, so Theo asks what EJ said. Lani asks if he knows anything about Kristen or Lexie. Johnny claims that he doesn’t and that EJ is just as worried as they are.

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Days Update Friday, August 7, 2026

Days of Our Lives Update

 

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Update written by Joseph

Xander hangs up in frustration as he returns to the table and informs Philip and Gabi that EJ just called in their loan, demanding they pay in full everything they owe by the end of the month. Philip argues that they can’t afford that and they’d lose everything. Alex comes over and questions what he means. Philip informs him that EJ called in the loan. Alex asks why he would do this. Philip guesses he found out they used DiMera money to make the loan payments and this is his revenge.

Stephanie goes to the hospital and tells Kayla that she and Alex had another huge fight, so she really needs her mom right now. Kayla hugs her and says she’s sorry.

Leo and Gwen eat together in Alamainia. Gwen remarks that she wouldn’t put past Dimitri to poison him. Leo points out that Dimitri made it clear that his intention is not to kill them. Gwen says he’s right and that he just wants to punish her and make Leo fall in love with him all over again.

Javi joins Rafe at the Brady Pub and announces he’s here to make their travel plans because he’s going with him to Alamainia tonight. Joy is at a table nearby with Kelsey and suggests they go upstairs to take a nap. Joy then goes to pick Kelsey up but throws her shoulder out.

Dimitri comes in to discuss Gwen and Leo’s sleeping arrangements. Gwen says she’s already familiar with her arrangements but she just tosses and turns all night. Gwen complains that she’s being held against her will. Leo tells them not to fight as there’s no point in turning this in to a warzone. Gwen says that’s exactly what this is. Dimitri offers to show Leo to his bed. Leo argues that he won’t be sleeping long. Leo reminds Dimitri that Chad sent him on the DiMera jet so he knows where he is and why he’s there and he will come looking for him. Dimitri argues that Chad won’t come looking for him and no one else will either because no one cares about Leo like he is.

Stephanie complains to Kayla about Joy wanting to keep her away from Kelsey for 18 years. Stephanie explains that she went to go see her at the Pub, but her emotions got the best of her and she accused Joy of trying to come between her and Alex. Stephanie adds that Joy told Alex before she could, so now Alex is furious with her. Stephanie says she played right in to Joy’s hands. Kayla tells her it’s understandable. Stephanie complains that she keeps screwing things up and doesn’t know how much more she or Alex can take.

Alex doesn’t get it and questions how the hell EJ found out how they made the payment and where they got the money. Xander and Philip admit that EJ came by earlier while they were celebrating and they may have gloated a bit. Alex suggests they should’ve celebrated in private. Xander argues that they had no idea EJ would counter so quickly and thought they were in the clear. Alex notes that Gabi is awfully quiet and asks if she has anything to add to this miserable saga. Gabi informs them that EJ came roaring in to her office after he found out, so she may have rubbed salt in the wound. Alex complains about Philip and Xander gloating while Gabi made the angriest son of a bitch on the planet even angrier and turning him in to a ticking time bomb. Alex asks how hard it is to just keep their mouths shut.

Javi and Rafe go over to check on Joy and Kelsey. Joy mentions a pain shooting down her arm while Javi brings up her recently being in a car accident and says it could be nerve irritation or a muscle spasm. Rafe then calls 911.

Gwen argues that no one gives a rat’s ass about Dimitri while Leo is loved by many, including her. Dimitri calls that odd since he recalls Gwen being happy to throw Leo to the wolves. Gwen says that’s because Dimitri was cheating on her with him. Gwen tells Leo that she regrets throwing him to the wolves because he opened her eyes to the swine that Dimitri is. Gwen complains that Dimitri used her to get his fortune and then seduced her best friend. Gwen argues that Leo deserves better than Dimitri and praises him. Dimitri argues that he loves Leo and used Gwen as bait to get him here. Dimitri knows Leo knows what they had was real and complains that Gwen forced him to write the Dear John letter. Dimitri reminds Leo that he was willing to serve time in prison because he knew he would be able to come back to Leo some day, no matter who was holding him captive. Dimitri knows it’s only a matter of time before Leo realizes they belong together. Gwen questions why Leo would ever consider belonging with Dimitri when he’s holding them captive against their will. Gwen tells Dimitri that if he doesn’t want them to look at him as a villian, he will set them free, which Leo agrees with.

Kayla tells Stephanie that once Alex realizes she had the best intentions, he will come around and understand. Rafe and Javi then arrive. Javi goes to Kayla and informs her that they need her help because Joy’s been brought in by ambulance. Stephanie asks what happened. Javi informs her that Joy nearly collapsed at the Pub. Javi adds that Rafe has Kelsey, so he’s going to make sure she’s okay.

Kayla goes to check on Joy in her hospital room. Joy mentions the pain and numbness. Kayla asks if there’s anyone she wants her to call. Joy says Alex but then changes her mind and says Philip as she remarks that this is about her, not Kelsey, so she’s sure Alex doesn’t want to hear about it.

Alex questions how dumb you have to be to tell EJ how they made the payment as if he’d take the defeat lying down. Philip assures they feel bad enough already. Xander says they knew it was a mistake but EJ was going to find out anyway. Gabi points out it may have been inevitable while Alex suggests maybe if they hadn’t have poked the bear, he wouldn’t have attacked. Philip then gets a call from Kayla, who says she’s calling on behalf of Joy because she’s in the hospital. Philip questions Joy being in the hospital, which Alex hears.

Kayla checks Joy’s blood pressure while Joy asks about the numbness. Kayla says it could be connected to the whiplash from her accident. Joy argues that she was feeling better and started physical therapy. Kayla says there could be delayed symptoms. Joy asks if it’s not that, if it could be something neurological.

Alex goes to the hospital and asks Stephanie where Joy is. Stephanie asks how he knew. Alex explains that Kayla called Philip but he said he would come instead. Rafe and Javi bring Kelsey over, noting they’re sure she’d like to see her dad. Alex thanks Javi and Rafe as they tell him they’ll be on standby if he needs anything. Stephanie asks if they know what’s wrong with Joy. Alex responds that Rafe and Javi just said she nearly passed out at the Pub. Alex says he got to speak to her briefly and she mentioned numbness in her arm, so he should probably go see her. Stephanie offers to stay with Kelsey. Alex thanks her but doesn’t think that’s a good idea, so he walks away with Kelsey.

Kayla tells Joy not to jump to conclusions as she will go see what’s going on. Joy asks if Javi and Rafe could bring Kelsey in to see her, but Alex arrives with Kelsey instead. Alex assures Joy that their daughter is in good hands.

Xander complains that this can’t be happening and tells Gabi that he’s so sorry to her because if they can’t pay back the loan by the deadline, she just gave them all the money for nothing. Gabi points out that it wasn’t her money to begin with and adds that she still has some left. Xander jokes that they’d need $200 million now. Gabi says she doesn’t have that much, but maybe in a few years her Gabi Chic bags will be flying off the shelves. Philip jokes that maybe EJ will leave them some crumbs to buy stock. Gabi then suggests she could buy stock now with her remaining DiMera funds and use her money to make more. Philip says he’s not doubting her business acumen and thanks her for wanting to be kind again by helping out, but points out it would take months to years to get the amount they need and they don’t have that kind of time.

Rafe and Javi return to the Pub as Rafe tells Javi that he’s not taking him to Alamainia. Rafe reminds Javi that he’s a civilian while he’s on an FBI assignment. Javi jokes that he just won’t sit next to him on the plane then. Rafe tells Javi it’s not going to happen, but Javi says it is and he can’t stop him.

Dimitri doesn’t get Gwen and Leo being in cahoots now, reminding Gwen of how Leo betrayed her and reminding Leo of how cruel and vindictive Gwen was when she found out. Gwen admits that Leo’s betrayal stung, but she was eventually able to get over her anger. Gwen adds that she and Leo have a wonderful long history and a bond like that doesn’t disappear overnight. Dimitri tells them that their only hope is a prayer. Leo argues that sooner or later, someone will raise a red flag about them going missing and they will come knocking. Dimitri says that is why he’s going to move them as he made his point by bringing Gwen to the prison she held him in and soon, he will be moving them somewhere will no one will ever find them as he storms out of the room.

Kayla leaves the room while Alex checks on Joy. Joy tells him that she’s so glad she didn’t go back to New York and worries about if this happened while she was traveling alone with Kelsey. Alex tells her not to worry about that. Joy wishes she knew what was wrong and worries about her arm. Alex promises they will figure out whatever it is. Joy says she knows she called Philip, but admits she was hoping Alex would show up as she’s so glad he’s there.

Kayla goes back to Stephanie and tells her that Joy is rattled and she’s sending for some tests while Alex is in with her now. Stephanie mentions offering to stay with Kelsey but Alex said he didn’t think it was a good idea. Kayla is sure he was just trying to honor Joy’s wishes. Stephanie remarks that Joy’s wishes are going to make her life miserable. Kayla questions if Stephanie thinks Joy is faking this. Stephanie calls it hard to tell but finds it convenient that she ends up in dire situations time after time. Stephanie guesses Kayla thinks she’s paranoid. Kayla thinks she’s just in the middle of a very difficult situation and she’s afraid it’s only going to get more difficult.

Xander and Philip finish their champagne. Xander asks if they should order another for their pity party and blames himself for EJ finding out. Philip points out that he wasn’t the only one celebrating. Xander says he’s talking about how they lost the company in the first place and how the lawsuit against Johnny backfired so badly. Xander says this explains why Victor was so happy to keep him as his gardener or use him as his enforcer, because he knew that’s all he’s good for.

Rafe thought Javi and Leo were over, but now Javi is determined to rescue him. Javi says they are over, but knowing that Leo is in danger, he can’t just sit back and do nothing. Javi calls Dimitri pure evil and questions what he will do when Leo gets there. Rafe questions Javi thinking he can stop him. Javi says he has to try because he’d never forgive himself if something happened to Leo and he was just sitting at home doing nothing. Rafe understands he’s worried about Leo and wants to help him, but asks what about his current boyfriend and how Gus will feel about all of this.

Leo talks to Gwen about hatching an escape plan and finding a way to sneak out. Leo brings up how he used to get his mom to let him stay home from school by faking a stomach virus. Gwen declares that’s it and that’s how they are going to get out.

Stephanie asks what Kayla means by things getting more difficult and if there’s something seriously wrong with Joy. Kayla responds that she can’t go in to detail about a patient, but if her symptoms mean what she’s thinking, then it’s going to be a long recovery and Joy’s going to need a lot of support. Stephanie guesses she means Alex’s support.

Alex watches over Kelsey as Joy is taken to get scans. Alex tells Kelsey that once they know what’s going on, the doctors are going to make everything better. Alex remarks that he just wishes he knew how to make everything better because he’s not doing a very good job of it at the moment.

Philip tells Xander to stop roasting himself and that Victor knew he was a very bright, hard working guy. Xander complains that he’s made an awful mess of everything and turned Victor’s empire in to a cautionary tale. Philip argues that he didn’t do it alone since if he hadn’t gone along with the forged letter, the merger would never have been jeopardized. Philip admits that his fragile ego couldn’t handle Xander getting the company as he thought he was the golden child and the rightful heir. Philip calls himself a self-important idiot. Xander says it doesn’t do any good to beat themselves up. Xander adds that regardless of who Victor left the company to, it seems they are destined to lose it.

Javi tells Rafe that he and Gus are good and that Gus completely understood when he told him he had to go to Alamainia. Rafe asks if he’s sure about that since Leo is his ex and Javi still seems to have feelings about him. Javi argues that he’s just worried about Leo being in the clutches of a psycho and that Gus has nothing to be jealous about, which is why he’s okay with him going to Alamainia.

Leo questions Gwen thinking they escape by him faking a stomach virus. Gwen says it will probably have to be something more severe than that, like appendicitis. Gwen argues that once Dimitri sees Leo is deathly ill, he will have no choice but to take him to the hospital. As Dimitri comes back to the room to tell Leo that his bed is ready, he sees Leo doubled over in pain and questions what the hell is going on. Gwen tells Dimitri that Leo needs medical attention immediately.

Javi makes a call to book a flight but is informed that all flights are full. Rafe says he’s not surprised and tells Javi that it’s a sign that Javi should stay home and away from Leo.

Gwen argues that Leo needs a hospital while Dimitri says he will just take care of him here. Gwen insists it’s appendicitis and he could be dead by morning. Dimitri declares that he will remove Leo’s appendix himself then as he learned in his ISA training. Gwen argues against him. Dimitri says he has the tools and the confidence. Leo then jumps up and away from Dimitri. Dimitri mocks their performance and says good night as he leaves the room.

Joy returns to her hospital room and tells Alex that they didn’t tell her much. Kayla comes in, so Joy asks about her test results. Kayla reveals her imaging show spinal stenosis. Joy worries that’s serious. Kayla says many people live very well with it with medication, physical therapy, and slight lifestyle changes. Joy asks what to do now. Kayla says she can get injections to help with the numbness. Joy worries about what if nothing works and asks if she will need surgery. Kayla says she won’t rule anything out and suggests taking it day by day. Alex leaves the room and tells Stephanie that Joy will be laid up for awhile, but Kayla isn’t sure how long. Stephanie asks about Kelsey. Alex says that’s what he wanted to talk to Stephanie about as he told Joy that while she’s in the hospital, he will take care of Kelsey. Stephanie asks if Joy was okay with her being around Kelsey. Alex then reveals that Stephanie won’t be and that he will just be moving in to Joy’s room above the Pub while she’s in the hospital, but Stephanie says no and tells Alex that he will not.

Philip looks up gambling on his phone as Gabi returns to the table and asks if he’s okay. Philip responds that he will be.

Xander goes home to the Kiriakis Mansion and holds one of Victoria’s stuffed animals, wondering how he will tell Victoria that he’s lost her future and he’s so sorry that he failed her. Xander looks up at Victor’s portrait and says he’s failed them both.

 

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Days Update Thursday, August 6, 2026

Days of Our Lives Update

 

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Update written by Joseph

Xander and Philip have champagne in the town square, talking about how good it feels to celebrate good news for a change. Philip says with EJ off their backs, they can focus on making money again. They toast to getting Titan back in the black. Xander tells Philip that he really deserves the credit since he’s the one that convinced Gabi that they had nothing to do with the counterfeit designs and persuaded Gabi to give them the inheritance money. Philip jokes that he will brag about it and take all the credit. Philip just wishes they could’ve seen EJ’s face when he found out. EJ then approaches their table and says he can’t imagine what they would be celebrating. Philip informs him that they just made a huge loan payment and covered the next year’s worth. EJ is shocked and questions how. Xander remarks that EJ would like to know. EJ tells them to enjoy while it lasts because it won’t. EJ then walks away and calls Rita, asking if she saw the loan payment that Titan made. EJ knows it’s huge and demands she find out where that money came from now.

Gabi is in her office, arguing with her lawyers to sue the supplier of the counterfeit Gabi Chic designs. Gabi argues that there must be evidence somewhere and declares that if they are not going to find it, she will.

At the Kiriakis Mansion, Sarah brings food to Holly in the living room. Holly tells her that she doesn’t have to wait on her. Sarah points out that she’s still recovering and she likes taking care of her. Holly wonders if Sarah is just trying to make up for not believing her when she said she wasn’t taking drugs. Holly says she doesn’t need another apology, but to know that Sarah really believes her and isn’t just pretending to.

Rachel sits in her room, texting Kristen to ask if Grandma is okay and when she’s coming home. Rachel is then confused when she gets a message back, saying that the service has been disconnected.

Brady and Steve meet at the Brady Pub. Brady tells Steve that he’s rarely surprised by anything Kristen does, but this is out of character for her. Steve says he knows a lot about Kristen and most of it’s not good, but he does know that she would never leave her daughter voluntarily. Steve asks if he’s sure the goodbye text was from Kristen. Brady admits that he’s not. Steve brings up the last time they thought Kristen had skipped town, she was kidnapped from prison by Peter Blake, and asks if he thinks she was kidnapped again. Brady says it’s either that or she did write the text and she’s running away from EJ.

EJ storms in to Gabi’s office and asks how dare she.

Philip tells Xander that getting the money from Gabi wasn’t the only thing he accomplished yesterday as he then reveals that he purposely locked Xander and Sarah in the wine cellar.

Sarah questions why Holly would think she doesn’t believe her. Holly talks about how sudden Sarah, Brady, and Tate went from not believing her to apologizing for doubting her which makes her wonder if it’s part of some strategy to see if she’ll confess to deceiving them. Holly insists that she’s not as Sarah repeats that she believes her along with Brady and Tate. Sarah promises they would never trick her like that. Holly apologizes for being paranoid as it just really hurt her that they all doubted her and admits it still does, but she gets it with her history. Holly doesn’t understand why they believe her now. Sarah says they know the pills in her bag weren’t her pills. Holly brings up still not knowing how Coriseal got in her system and not having an explanation, just an idea about the pills. Holly questions what she isn’t telling her.

Xander can’t believe Philip locked he and Sarah in the wine cellar. Philip says he would’ve kept them in there all night, but Kate showed up and spoiled his plans. Xander says he’s grateful for that as it’s probably for the best since Philip coming in stopped what was happening from happening.

Holly argues that Sarah is a doctor who doesn’t believe anything without multiple studies backing it up, so something had to have changed her mind. Holly says now that her head is clear and she’s had time to think, she’s actually more confused than ever. Holly explains that she knows the pills in her bag weren’t hers and feels the belief that someone goes around randomly putting pills in people’s bags is far fetched so it had to be someone who knew what they were doing. Sarah admits she does have a theory. Holly asks her to clue her in. Sarah is hesitant because she doesn’t have the proof to back it up. Holly argues that she had never heard of Coriseal before, let alone taken. Holly calls it terrifying after everything with Sophia and says she’s freaked out about it happening again. Holly asks Sarah to give her theory because it’s her body and she deserves answers which Sarah agrees with.

Steve brings up Brady telling him that Kristen was worried about Rachel coming home since she thought EJ was a threat to her. Brady says he pressed her on that pretty hard but she assured him that Rachel was not in danger and he believed her as she said whatever was happening between her and EJ was the same old same old and she would handle it, so he figured as long as Rachel wasn’t collateral damage, he would stay out of it. Steve agrees that you don’t want to get in the middle of that mess if you don’t have to. Brady says what’s bugging him is that the last time Kristen saw Rachel, she was very emotional and barely holding it together, so it did seem like she was saying goodbye. Brady adds that Kristen was in Aremid last night, possibly saying goodbye to her mother. Brady says that Kristen could be just being paranoid but declares that if she is in trouble, EJ is behind it. Steve comments on EJ having a lot going on and says that could work to their advantage since EJ is usually good at covering his tracks, but between the Coriseal scandal, his secret experiments, and whatever’s going on with Kristen as Brady agrees that’s a lot of plates to be spinning. Steve adds that sooner or later, EJ is going to drop one and they will all come crashing down.

Gabi guesses EJ heard what she did with her inheritance. EJ argues that she’s not going to get away with this. Gabi responds that she already has.

Rachel questions why she hasn’t heard back from her mom and why she got that weird message when she texted her. Kristen, dressed as Susan Banks, then appears in Rachel’s room and tells her that she has a message from Kristen.

Steve tells Brady that there’s been no activity on Kristen’s credit cards and her car hasn’t been used either. Brady adds that her phone has been disconnected as well. Brady shows Steve the last text he got from Kristen, saying she had to go away. Steve points out that Kristen included “until we meet again”. Brady says that means she plans to come back while Steve says the question is when.

“Susan” hugs Rachel and tells her that Kristen said to tell her how much she loves and misses her. Rachel responds that Kristen is only visiting her mom in Aremid and could be back tonight. “Susan” then informs Rachel that she thought she knew, but that Kristen had to take care of some things and won’t be back anytime soon, which leaves Rachel upset.

Philip asks Xander what exactly was about to happen in the wine cellar. Xander says nothing like what he’s clearly imagining. Philip argues that the point of locking them in was so something would happen. Xander responds that it didn’t happen and isn’t going to. Philip questions why not. Xander declares that until he deals with his past, history is bound to repeat itself which confuses Philip. Xander explains that’s what Marlena told him after he went in and excitedly told her what happened and how he believed that he and Sarah were destined to reconcile, but Marlena reminded him that he has a lot of work to do before a healthy relationship between them is even possible. Xander says he and Sarah could’ve made out there, but then would be back arguing about the same stuff ten minutes later. Xander adds that Sarah is still seeing Brady anyways and declares that for now, he’s going to focus on being the best co-parent he can be. Philip says he can keep telling himself that.

Sarah explains to Holly that they have reason to believe a couple years ago, a pharmaceutical company produced a batch of Coriseal that was contaminated with arsenic that might have killed some people and then they tried to cover it up by illegally dumping the pills on Smith Island which is how it got in to the well water. Holly thought she said there wasn’t Coriseal in the water, just arsenic. Sarah then reveals that she thinks they may have tampered with the test results and that the pills in Holly’s bag was another despicable attempt to cover their tracks. Sarah states that she was asking too many questions and they knew she wouldn’t stop until she found an explanation so they gave her one. Holly questions who they are. Sarah claims not to know. Holly asks if it could’ve been someone who worked for the pharmaceutical company and tells Sarah that she needs to tell her who did this. Sarah tells Holly that she cannot tell anyone, but they think it was DiMera Pharmaceuticals. Holly is shocked that she thinks it was EJ.

EJ complains that Gabi used his father’s money to bail out a rival company. Gabi argues that it was Stefan’s money and now it’s her money, which means she can do whatever she wants to do with it. EJ calls her spiteful for using DiMera money on their enemy. EJ tries to threaten Gabi but he sneezes as Gabi asks what he’s going to do and if he’s going to kill her. EJ warns her not to tempt him. After EJ’s sneezing, Gabi comments that he’s not looking too good and asks if the stress is getting to him. EJ responds that it’s not like she cares. Gabi says she wants him to feel terrible for the rest of his life after everything he’s done to her, her brother, and now Gabi Chic. EJ questions what he ever did to her company. Gabi questions EJ pretending not to know. EJ tells her to enlighten him. Gabi says she learned her lesson about accusing people without proof, so she wasn’t going to confront him yet. Gabi tells EJ about Arianna leaving her bag on her desk while she was doing her internship at DiMera which EJ calls unfounded accusations. Gabi warns that she will find proof because no one rips her off and gets away with it.

Sarah confirms to Holly they think it was EJ or someone who worked for him and she knows that’s hard to hear. Holly argues that it can’t be since EJ has been so good to her lately. Sarah points out that EJ believed Holly because he knew the truth that it wasn’t her pills. Holly guesses EJ never really cared about her and was just pretending to because he felt guilty. Sarah does think that EJ cares about her, but that he cares about himself and his company more. Sarah adds that’s why she was so upset when she found EJ in her room. Holly questions how she could be so trusting when she knew EJ wasn’t a good person and calls him a monster. Holly decides she needs to be alone, so Sarah tells her to call if she needs her as she exits the mansion.

Philip questions Xander being okay with Sarah seeing Brady. Xander says it’s not like he has any say in the matter. Xander adds that he hasn’t been a monk since the divorce as he’s gotten out there. Philip points out that it’s been awhile since he’s taken an extended break, so he asks when he last saw Kristen or Gwen. Xander laughs off that they’ve both ghosted him and says it’s not like he had feelings for them. Philip points out that’s because he’s still in love with Sarah. Xander admits he always will be. Philip tells him that life is short. Xander repeats that Sarah is with Brady. Philip gives that a month tops. Xander argues that he’s spending a lot of money on therapy, so he’d appreciate if Philip didn’t try to obliterate all the progress he’s made. Philip asks what are brothers for.

Brady tells Steve how much progress Rachel has made and how she’s finally home and happy, while now he has to explain to her that her mother just left and abandoned her. Steve says he feels for them and knows it will be tough. Brady worries about how Rachel will react, pointing out that she went to Bayview for a reason and could start acting out again. Steve says not to get ahead of themselves and points out that for all they know, Kristen could be back next week. Steve encourages that until then, Rachel still has Brady, Tate, and Marlena. Steve assures they will get through this and adds that like John would say, that’s a fact.

Rachel questions why “Susan” is crying, but she claims it’s just allergies. Rachel question why Kristen didn’t call her if she was going away. “Susan” claims she ran in to Kristen at the airport and she didn’t say where she was going. Rachel doesn’t understand and continues to question things. “Susan” assures that Kristen will be back as soon as she can be. Rachel says it’s not okay and wants to know exactly when she’s going to see her again, lamenting that she didn’t get to say goodbye. “Susan” gives Rachel a hug, assuring that Kristen will be able to feel it.

Xander says that’s enough about his love life and asks Philip about he and Gabi. Philip says there’s nothing to tell while Xander brings up hearing that they kissed. Philip complains that Alex is such a gossip and insists that he and Gabi just got caught up in the excitement and there was nothing more to it. Xander tells Philip that he can keep telling himself that, but remarks that he’s not any more over Gabi than he is over Sarah. Sarah then approaches their table and greets them, joking that they are having more champagne but this time without a trip to the wine cellar. Philip informs Sarah that he and Xander just made thee loan payment, so they are having a celebratory lunch. Philip then invites Sarah to join them.

Brady goes to Rachel’s room and questions what “Susan” is doing there. Rachel says she came to tell her that Kristen is going away and doesn’t know when she’ll be back. “Susan” says she’s sorry as she thought she knew. Brady can tell what’s going on and tells Rachel that he needs a moment alone with “Susan” and they will be right back.

Amy Choi goes to the Kiriakis Mansion to see Holly. Amy mentions sending flowers to the hospital and not getting an acknowledgment, adding that sunflowers were Sophia’s favorite, so she sent them to remind Holly of what she did to her. Amy wants her to think about it every day for the rest of her life.

Brady takes Kristen to the living room and questions why she’s dressed like Susan Banks and what she’s doing here. Kristen explains that she couldn’t leave town without seeing Rachel one last time and she couldn’t let anyone else see her because EJ has people looking for her. Kristen says she wanted to say goodbye at Bayview, but she didn’t know she was leaving at the time and she deserved a proper goodbye. Brady argues that she couldn’t give him a heads up on any of this and questions her doing this. Kristen says that she couldn’t let Rachel know it was her because she would ask too many questions. Kristen adds that she sent a Brady text to give him a heads up. Brady says he didn’t even know for sure if it was from her and he wasn’t going to tell their daughter that she was leaving again without knowing what the hell was going on. Brady then asks what is going on and why she’s saying goodbye.

EJ questions Gabi throwing away Stefano’s money on a dying company just to get back at him for allegedly stealing her ugly handbag designs. Gabi responds that Titan employs a lot of people, so her investment will be good for the local economy. EJ argues that she couldn’t care less about that and asks what she’s getting in return. Gabi says she gets a seat on the board and a ton of stock options which EJ says will be worthless when the company goes down in flames. Gabi says that’s not going to happen. EJ says they’ll see about that as he storms out of the office. EJ walks outside and calls Rita, saying he needs her to take care of something urgent for him.

Holly tells Amy that she does think about Sophia, more than she knows. Amy doubts that. Holly asks why she’s even here. Amy reveals that she came to let her know that she’s dropping the lawsuit, not because she wants to, but because EJ is a bully like her. Amy states that Holly may not face any legal consequences, but she still holds her liable for Sophia’s death. Amy declares that Holly killed her daughter and one day, she will face God’s judgment for that. Holly wants her to leave. Amy responds that she’ll leave, but Holly will never be rid of her as she will be everywhere from the grocery store to the town square to her nightmares. Amy remarks that Holly has her daughter’s blood on her hands and she will never let her forget that as she then walks out of the mansion.

Sarah thought the celebrated last night. Philip says they are letting the good times roll. Gabi then walks by, so Xander invites her to join them. Gabi says she’ll never say no to champagne and takes a seat. Sarah thanks Gabi and says what she did for her family and Titan really does mean the world. Gabi responds that she couldn’t let EJ bankrupt their company and force them to sell their home. Gabi adds that she has faith in Titan and believes she will see a return on her investment. Gabi says she knows she can’t change the past, but she can choose to do better moving forward and hopes that this was a step in the right direction. Sarah says she is going to run some errands and thanks Gabi again as she walks away.

Kristen tells Brady that she’s in danger and that there’s something going on between her and EJ, so she needs to disappear for awhile. Brady argues that he asked her if she needed him to get involved and she said no. Kristen doesn’t want him anywhere near this. Brady asks if she thought about the impact on Rachel and having to leave again. Kristen argues that all she thinks about is Rachel. Brady tells her to let him help. Kristen says no because she needs him to just accept this and take care of Rachel. Brady says he’s always going to take care of her, but he doesn’t know how to explain this to her, so he needs to know where she’s going. Kristen says she’s sorry but she can’t give him the details for his own protection. Kristen states that Brady is Rachel’s only parent for now and she wants them both to be safe which will only happen if she’s gone. Brady asks when she is coming back. Kristen responds that once the danger has passed, but it might be for awhile so she doesn’t know. Kristen hands Brady a way to get a message to her if there’s an emergency with Rachel. Brady argues that she doesn’t have to do this. Kristen cries that Brady has to promise her that he will tell Rachel every day how much she loves her as she hugs him and then exits.

Xander gets a call and steps away to answer, leaving Philip and Gabi at the table. Gabi points out that they are drinking champagne together like civil adults. Philip toasts to behaving like civil adults. Xander on his call argues that they can’t be serious and there’s no way that’s legal. Xander hangs up in frustration as he returns to the table and informs Philip and Gabi that EJ just called in their loan, demanding they pay in full everything they owe by the end of the month.

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Days Short Recap Friday, August 21, 2026

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Recap written by Michele and Cheryl

Paulina and Lani went to Chanel’s room while Johnny saw the blood and told them to get Kayla. Lani got her, and she made them leave the room. Kayla saw the blood and said it was from a minor tear. She said that she was getting transfusions. Abe and Theo wanted to make Lexie comfortable. They were thankful for the time they had with her. Abe left to give Theo some time alone with his mother. Lexie told Theo what happened with EJ and Kristen. She didn’t tell Theo that Kristen was kidnapped. Lexie told him that EJ wanted her to tell the truth, but he respected her dying wish. She told him that her brother wasn’t a saint, but she didn’t want him to blame him for what happened. Jada asked Kayla if Lexie said why she was at EJ’s place. Kayla told her that Lexie didn’t say anything about it, and she wasn’t ready to talk about it yet. Jada decided to go to the DiMera mansion to get some answers. EJ was about to go to the hospital to check on Lexie, but Jada was at the door with questions for him. Jada thought EJ was holding Lexie against her will and denied her medical treatment. He scoffed at the idea of doing that. EJ told her to go talk to Lexie about it. Paulina tried to calm Lani down when Eli showed up. Eli took Lani into his arms. Paulina assured Lani that everything would be okay. She suggested they got some air. After they left, Paulina started to break down. Abe walked by while Paulina tried to control herself. He hugged her, and she broke down. Abe assured her that Kayla would take care of Chanel. Paulina broke the hug and asked how Lexie was doing. Before Abe could answer, Johnny told them that there was good new about Chanel.

Kayla told Chanel, Paulina and Johnny that there could be more tearing during childbirth. Since Chanel was on chemo she might hemorrhage so she couldn’t have a C-section. Chanel knew it would hurt, but she could handle it. Kayla said they had to hurry and induce labor. Chanel continued to have more contractions. EJ arrived at the hospital. He didn’t know about what happened with Chanel. He wanted to see Lexie. Abe arrived before Lexie could say anything about Kristen’s kidnapping. He let Lexie know that he ran into Paulina. Lexie was happy that Chanel’s baby would have a loving family including him and Theo. EJ arrived, and Abe because upset. Theo had to calm Abe down after the things Lexie told him about EJ. Abe and Theo gave EJ time alone with Lexie. He struggled to come up with the words to apologize to her. Lexie told hi that it was okay. She was happy that she had time with her family. Lexie informed him that she didn’t tell anyone what he planned to do with Kristen because she wanted him to repair his relationship. She wanted him to be a better man. It’s her last dying wish. EJ started crying when alarms went off. Theo, Abe, and Lexie rushed back in the room. Lexie was stabilized, but he transfusion didn’t work. Kayla informed everyone that it was time to say goodbye. EJ told Lexie that he loved her. He walked out of the room. Abe and Theo sat by Lexie’s side. Chanel pushed until her baby was born. Johnny told her that she had a girl. Theo talked to Lexie about her being his superhero when he was a kid. Lexie sang a lullaby to him one more time. Johnny sang a lullaby to his new daughter. Lexie died after singing the lullaby to Theo. Theo and Abe kissed Lexie goodbye. Kayla tearfully put a cover on Lexie while EJ watched from outside of her window.

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BTG Short Recap Friday, August 21, 2026

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Recap written by Michelle & Cheryl

Dani and Andre were at Orphey Gene’s when Heather showed up. Heather acted as if she didn’t know Andre when Dani introduced them. Randy was watching them at another table. Andre was uncomfortable with Dani and Heather talking to each other. When Heather left, Andre warned Dani to keep a distance from her since she’s Joey’s sister. Later on, Andre went to Heather’s room to let her know that whatever she was doing was going to stop. Heather said she would leave Dani alone if he gave her what she wanted. Before he left, she told him it was a limited time offer. At Bill’s office, Naomi and Tomas got into an argument over Madison’s case because Mike complained about the way she was handling it. When Mike showed up, he said his client wanted to settle. Mike said Bill’s health was a reason why they should consider settling the case. After Mike left, Naomi and Tomas argued over what to do next.

Naomi went to the hospital to tell Bill about Tomas. Bill told her to leave Tomas to him. He warned Tomas to stay in his lane if he didn’t want to get fired. At Uptown, Chelsea got a call from an unknown caller. The person hung up on her. Kat told her it was probably a telemarketer. She noticed that Chelsea was uncomfortable. Chelsea didn’t want to do the live stream of their trip to Tokyo. Kat said she understood that the anniversary of her kidnapping impacted her. She let Chelsea know that she would be there for her. When Chelsea’s phone rang again, Kat answered the phone. The person hung up again. Chelsea believed that Allison was the one calling her. Hayley went to see Bill. He told her he wanted to get out of the hospital. Hayley said she wanted it too. They wanted Ashley to get someone to release him. Bill asked Hayley to go to his office to get his laptop. Hayley found a way to talk to Randy about poisoning Bill. Randy told her it was a mistake to do it in the DMV instead of on their vacation, but she didn’t care. When Hayley went to Bill’s office, Dani showed up looking for Naomi. They ended up arguing with each other.

 

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Days Short Recap Thursday, August 20, 2026

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Recap written by Michele and Cheryl

Kayla had more blood for Chanel. Chanel panicked because she wanted to know what happened with her baby. They would monitor the baby as soon as she was born. Chanel had another contraction so Johnny rushed to get her more ice chips. Joy didn’t want to answer Chloe’s call. Kayla walked into her room with bad news. She informed Joy that the treatment didn’t work, and she would need surgery. Kayla explained everything about the surgery and that it had a 90% success rate. Joy wanted to know what the worst case scenario would be for her. Kayla told her that she could face paralysis. After Kayla left, Joy started crying. Theo and Chad hugged at the hospital. He told Chad his theory that EJ hid his mother because the drug failed. Theo told him that Johnny knew about it so he wondered what else he was hiding. He asked Chad to donate blood to help his mother. Johnny saw them together, and they talked about their loved ones. Theo didn’t want to tell Johnny anything. Alex took Kelsey into the blood draw room and saw Stephanie there. He had to leave because Joy was around the corner. Alex promised to come back, but Stephanie was upset that she couldn’t donate blood without it being a problem. Chad arrived, and Stephanie talked to him about what happened with Joy. He wished he could say more, but he thought Joy would come around. Stephanie was upset that Alex didn’t come back and wanted to leave. Chad thought she should tell Alex how she felt.

Alex took Kelsey to see Joy. Joy gave him the bad news he received from Kayla. Alex held and comforted her while she broke down. Stephanie walked by and saw Alex hugging Joy. Joy opened her eyes and saw Stephanie so she poured it on thicker for her. She told Alex that she was scared, and he promised to be there for her and Kelsey. Stephanie was upset and ran into Theo at the nurses station and hugged him. Theo wanted to sit down with her. Stephanie put her head on his shoulder. Alex saw them in the background and walked away. Chanel thought her water broke. Johnny went to Chanel’s room and saw blood and not water.

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BTG Short Recap Thursday, August 20, 2026

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Recap written by Michelle & Cheryl

Leslie let Marcel know that she wasn’t living on his boat. She said she would never apologize for wanting more and going after it. While she was talking, she broke up with him. When she was alone, she thought about her relationship with Ted. Marcel went to Uptown and talked to Grayson. Eva talked to Izaiah about her parents’ relationship. He thought about the conversation he had with Joey. They talked about Leslie and Joey’s reputations, but they were loyal to the people they loved. Nicole’s place was a mess so Kial offered to help clean up. While Kial was cleaning, he broke a crystal dish that was a wedding gift for Nicole and Ted. Nicole became emotional over the gift being destroyed which was understandable to Kial. They ended up talking about loss and moving on. Nicole said she had regrets, but she was glad that she and Kial met when they did. Ted went to see Bill at the hospital. They talked about their failed marriages. Bill said Nicole wasn’t over Ted the way she pretended to be. He asked Ted what drew him to Leslie. Ted said Leslie wasn’t always the person she is now. He flashed back to his relationship with Leslie. They talked about Bill trying to stop Ted from seeing Leslie. There was a flashback of Ted taking off his ring and telling Leslie that he loved her. Bill asked Ted about Shanice. Ted said he loved her.

 

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Days Update Wednesday, August 5, 2026

Days of Our Lives Update

 

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Update written by Joseph

Johnny runs in to Paulina in the town square. Paulina asks how Chanel is. Johnny says the last round of chemo was rough but she’s feeling better now. Johnny then gets a call from Marlena. Johnny says he hasn’t heard from Kristen and asks why. Johnny says he’ll let her know if he does as he hangs up. Paulina joins Lani at the bakery. Paulina informs Lani that she thinks something very strange is going on with Lexie.

Lexie sits in the room where EJ put her and is on the phone with Theo, claiming that she arrived in South Africa and that her mother sends her love. Theo asks if she’s around so he can say hello. Lexie claims he’s breaking up, so she’ll call him back. Theo asks if she will call later today. Lexie says they have a bunch of plans and with the time difference, she’s not sure how much she’ll be in touch. Lexie assures that she’s thinking of Theo and Abe every day. Lexie tells Theo that she loves him and hangs up. EJ then joins Lexie and tells her that she’s making a very big mistake.

Stephanie goes to the DiMera Enterprises office and tells Theo that she glad he called because she has a PR strategy that she’s super excited to pitch. She notes him being distracted and asks if everything is okay. Theo responds that he’s not sure.

Joy comes out of the Pub with Kelsey and runs in to Alex, who says he’s glad he caught her. Joy asks what he wants. Alex says he wanted to say how sorry he is for storming out of their custody meeting as he just needed time to cool down. Joy asks if he expects her to apologize for making unreasonable demands. Alex argues that they share a child so they have to come to some sort of agreement, but Joy says not as far as she’s concerned.

Stephanie questions Theo not being sure if he’s okay and asks if things are still tense between he and Abe. Theo assures they are good now, but it’s his mother. Theo informs her that Lexie took a trip to South Africa and she just said she got there okay. Theo says maybe he’s being overprotective but it’s a big trip to take alone. Theo adds that Lexie was adamant about taking the trip alone. Stephanie encourages that she’s sure she’s fine. Theo feels Lexie sounded off on the phone. Stephanie suggests it’s just jet lag and bets on their next call, she will sound like herself again. Theo asks what’s going on with Stephanie as he can tell that she’s upset and is trying hard not to let him see it, but he does. Stephanie admits that something is bothering her, actually someone. Theo guesses it’s Joy Wesley, which Stephanie confirms.

Joy and Alex go in to the Pub, where Alex insists they have to come up with some sort of agreement. Joy disagrees since she was doing fine as a single mother in New York and only came back to Salem because she thought it was the right thing. Alex insists that it is and that he wants to be part of his daughter’s life. Joy argues that she has been trying but it’s been nonstop drama that she doesn’t need since day one. Joy adds that she also doesn’t need Alex’s support, financially or otherwise, because her parents were helping her before. Alex gets that the situation has become more complicated. Joy calls it disastrous and for her, almost deadly. Alex understands her frustration but says they can do this and come up with a plan. Joy responds that she already has as she tells Alex to forget she ever came back and forget about Kelsey while he goes back to his ideal and uncomplicated perfect life with his wife. Joy asks how’s that for a plan.

Paulina tells Lani that she knows what’s going on with Lexie is not her business. Lani says it kind of is since Abe was her husband. Lani asks what’s going on. Paulina talks about Lexie not letting Abe out of her sight and being protective and territorial while now she decided to go visit her mother in South Africa alone, right before Abe’s birthday. Paulina asks if Lani doesn’t think that’s strange. Johnny then comes over and asks Lani if she has a minute as it’s important.

Lexie tells EJ that she doesn’t appreciate him eavesdropping. EJ is surprised she got any phone signal down here. Lexie says it took awhile and wasn’t good. EJ tells her to think about what she’s doing as Abe and Theo would be crushed to know she is so close by and doesn’t want to be with them. Lexie responds that she does want to be with them more than anything but they had their time together and it was beautiful and perfect. Lexie declares that this way, they will remember her how she wants to remembered and asks EJ not to fight her on this. Lexie doesn’t want to be greedy and asks for more than she already has. EJ asks what he can do for her. Lexie responds that it’s not for her, but for Kristen.

Johnny questions Lani and Paulina not hearing from Kristen. Lani says she hasn’t in a couple of days and asks why. Johnny says Marlena has been trying to get in touch with her but apparently Kristen’s phone has been disconnected which Paulina calls strange. Lani tries calling Kristen, but gets a message that it’s no longer in service. Lani brings up the last time she saw Kristen a couple days ago and it was kind of weird as she sensed that Kristen was saying goodbye like she was going away. Johnny questions why Kristen would leave now when Rachel just got out of Bayview. Lani agrees that it doesn’t make sense as Rachel is more important to her than anything. Johnny thanks them and says he will look in to this as he walks away. Paulina wonders what that was about. Lani admits that now she’s worried as Paulina points out that people are mysteriously leaving Salem.

Theo tells Stephanie that he’s sorry that happened. Stephanie says she should know by now that the best thing she could do is stay away from Joy, but when Alex told her she wanted her banned from Kelsey for 18 years, she confronted her and thought she could get through to her to drop the ridiculous demands, but instead she made everything worse. Stephanie explains that after she laid in to her, Joy told her that Belle made her see that she was wrong so she was going to ease up until she went off on her and now Joy has completely dug in again and doesn’t want her near Kelsey. Theo asks what Alex has to say about all of this. Stephanie admits she hasn’t told him yet.

Alex argues that Joy can’t just take his kid and run. Joy asks why she would stay in Salem when everyone hates her. Alex says that’s not true. Joy argues that if they don’t, Stephanie will make sure they do and she’s not going to live her life like that, so she’s going back to New York. Joy tells Alex that she won’t stop him from visiting Kelsey, but he can’t bring his wife with him ever. Alex tells her that’s never going to work. Joy brings up Stephanie almost shooting her and how she could’ve filed a criminal complaint and put Stephanie in prison but she didn’t, under the condition that she couldn’t come near Kelsey. Alex argues that he didn’t agree to that for 18 years and thought Joy would come to the conclusion that Stephanie isn’t dangerous. Joy responds that she hasn’t and she won’t, especially after what happened yesterday. Alex then questions what happened yesterday.

EJ questions Lexie’s request involving Kristen. Lexie pleads with him not to go after Kristen. Lexie says that whatever Kristen did and however awful it was, separating her from her only child is a bridge too far. Lexie says time is precious and when you reach the end like she has, you see clearly that the only thing that matters is love and honor. Lexie warns that EJ will regret the path he’s on and will find himself empty and alone. EJ responds that he’ll bear that in mind. EJ goes back to his previous concern and asks how long she expects this charade with her family to continue. Lexie says until she’s gone and he sends Abe and Theo her letters. Lexie asks for a pen to write to them while she can.

Lani asks Paulina what reason Lexie gave for wanting to visit her mom alone. Paulina says that Abe said he thought it was strange too and pointed out that she had not booked a return flight. Lani asks why Paulina is telling her this. Paulina hoped she could do some digging. Lani thought she said it wasn’t her business. Paulina points out that she is the Mayor, so if someone’s missing it is her business. Lani argues that she isn’t missing if she just took a trip. Paulina questions why now and why alone, pleading with Lani to find out for her. Lani asks if she’s thinking there’s trouble in paradise and maybe if Lexie’s gone, she and Abe can reunite. Paulina says hell no as she’s no one’s consolation prize, but she still cares about Abe and Theo. Lani isn’t sure what she wants her to do since she’s not a cop anymore. Paulina encourages her to put her detective skills to work.

Theo questions Stephanie not telling Alex what happened. She explains that she was asleep when he got home and he was gone when she woke up, but she’s dreading it because she keeps screwing things up and making things worse. Theo encourages that she wasn’t in the wrong for deleting Joy’s voicemail since she thought she was manipulating Alex. Stephanie points out that she was wrong and that Joy was on the side of the road after a car accident. Stephanie says that all could’ve been avoided if she just stayed out of it. Theo says her intentions were good and suggests telling Alex that. Stephanie isn’t sure he will want to hear it. Theo encourages that Alex is her husband, so they can try to work everything out before it’s too late.

Joy questions Stephanie not telling Alex what happened. Alex says they didn’t get a chance to talk. Joy tells him that Stephanie wanted to have a friendly chat and then completely lost it with paranoid rage and accused her of using their daughter to steal Alex from her. Alex argues that doesn’t sound like Stephanie. Joy says he can go ask her if he doesn’t believe her. Joy adds that she had just spoken to Belle about the custody agreement and she had made her see that maybe she was wrong, but Stephanie’s insane overreaction made her realize that she wasn’t. Joy realizes that Stephanie really didn’t mention any of this to Alex.

Johnny goes to the DiMera Mansion and sees EJ in the living room. EJ calls this a surprise. Johnny asks if Kristen is home. EJ says he doesn’t think so. Johnny asks when he last saw her. EJ asks what’s going on. Johnny informs him that according to Marlena, Kristen is missing, which doesn’t make any sense since Rachel just got out of Bayview. Johnny then questions what EJ did.

Lani tells Paulina that her life’s calling at the moment is her twins and making sure Chanel doesn’t overdo it. Paulina apologizes for offending her while Lani apologizes for getting defensive. Lani isn’t sure looking in to Lexie is a good idea. Paulina argues that it’s not idle gossip, but Abe’s life, and if something is going on that could hurt him or break his heart, she needs to know what it is.

Lexie cries over writing her letters, wondering how to say goodbye to Abe again

Paulina asks if Lani thinks Lexie could be hiding something or maybe she realized she doesn’t want to be here and wants to start somewhere fresh, suggesting whatever EJ did could’ve caused something like that. Lani doesn’t want to speculate while Paulina says that’s why she wants her to look in to it. Lani points out that she’s not part the of the police force anymore so she doesn’t have access to any files and has limited resources. Paulina encourages that she’s very capable and maybe her special agent husband could lend a hand. Lani reluctantly agrees but says there’s no promises as she will just do her best and let her know what she finds out.

Stephanie appreciates Theo’s support but says she’s not going to bail on their meeting. Theo says she is. Stephanie feels that would be unprofessional. Theo argues that her marriage is much more important than a PR pitch. Theo tells Stephanie to go talk to Alex while he will have his assistant reschedule. Stephanie thanks Theo and calls him a good friend as she exits the office.

Joy tells Alex that Kelsey is the only reason she’s in Salem and questions the point in staying if they can’t come to an agreement on custody. Alex says the point is to work it out while Joy calls that impossible with his wife thinking she wants to steal him away from her. Joy says she will set the record straight by going back to New York where she doesn’t have to be subjected to Stephanie’s tirades. Alex reminds Joy that he has parental rights since his name was added to Joy’s birth certificate, so he’s legally her father too. Alex asks if she knows what happens when he puts that in front of a judge, then apologizes for saying that, adding that this doesn’t have to get ugly. Alex believes they can find a solution that works for all of them without the courts involved. Alex gets that Joy had a life without Kelsey before he was in the picture, but he’s apart of it now and Kelsey has his heart. Alex pleads with Joy not to leave and says he doesn’t want them to go.

Johnny asks EJ what happened to Kristen and if he made her disappear. EJ claims he didn’t, but he believes she left town to get away from him. Johnny asks why. EJ says this isn’t going to be easy to hear, but he’s going to tell him to warn him to watch his back. EJ adds that he never wanted Johnny to find out or know this about his aunt. Johnny tells him to just say it. EJ then reveals to Johnny that Kristen is the reason that Sophia tried to kill him.

Theo joins Lani at the Bakery. Lani says it’s so good to see him and asks why he’s not at work. Theo says he had a meeting get rescheduled, so he decided to take a walk and clear his head. Lani asks what’s going on. Theo tells her about Lexie’s trip and going alone. Lani calls it a long trip for someone who just came back to life. Theo says that they wanted to go with her, but she insisted on going alone, and now he’s worried.

Lexie continues writing her goodbye letter to Abe.

Joy tells Alex that if she agrees to stay and work out custody, he needs to talk to Stephanie as she will not tolerate any more of her harassment and if she comes at her one more time, she and Kelsey are gone. Alex agrees to get this all straightened out and promises to find a way to make it work for all of them. Alex says he has to go and tells Kelsey that he will see her very soon. Alex then says goodbye to Joy and exits the Pub. Alex runs in to Stephanie, who says she’s glad she found him. Stephanie then asks what’s wrong. Alex reveals that he just talked to Joy. Stephanie guesses she told him what happened. Alex confirms that she did and asks Stephanie what the hell is wrong with her as she could’ve ruined everything.

Johnny questions EJ telling him that his aunt Kristen is the reason Sophia tried to kill him. EJ responds that Kristen put Sophia up to it because she wanted revenge. Johnny argues that he’s never done anything to Kristen and asks what possible reason she could want revenge for him. EJ clarifies that it was revenge against him, not Johnny, as Kristen believed it was his fault that she was taken to prison and away from Rachel. Johnny shouts that Kristen shot him and asks how that’s his fault. EJ says he believes that in Kristen’s sick mind, he gave her reason to shoot him. Johnny asks if he’s sure about this. EJ knows it sounds crazy and unthinkable, but he’s sure. EJ explains that Sophia knew that Chanel would be at the aquarium with Lani and the kids and that Johnny would be working from home alone because Kristen told her. EJ adds that as soon as he knew, he had to protect Johnny and neutralize Kristen by making sure she stayed far away from his precious children. EJ declares the he almost lost Johnny and he’s never going to let that happen again.

Stephanie tries to explain as Alex tells her that Joy wants to take his daughter to New York for good because of her. Stephanie argues that she can’t do that. Alex says she can try because they don’t have a custody agreement because of Stephanie. Alex knows this isn’t easy for Stephanie and she didn’t sign up for it, but Kelsey is his flesh and blood and didn’t sign up for it either. Alex adds that Stephanie can’t expect him to abandon her. Stephanie assures that she doesn’t. Alex says that’s good because that’s never going to happen. Alex gets that she doesn’t like Joy but she is Kelsey’s mother, so she can’t go around attacking her. Stephanie argues that she only wanted to talk to her and assure her that she’s not a threat. Alex mocks that she did a bang up job. Alex then says he’s late for work and has to go, so he hurries off, leaving Stephanie upset.

Joy tells Kelsey that she thought bringing Alex in to their lives was the right thing to do for both of them, but it’s getting kind of tricky. Joy knows Alex has a wife but admits she can’t help but imagine the three of them as a family. Joy says she can’t let go of the dream of giving Kelsey the life she never had.

Lani asks Theo if he’s heard from Lexie since she left. Theo says she called when she landed but there was a bad connection and it was a “don’t call me, I’ll call you” situation. Theo feels something isn’t right and it’s like Lexie is trying to keep he and Abe at arms length. Theo then get a work call and says he’ll keep her posted as he steps away to answer.

Lexie begins writing her goodbye letter to Theo.

Stephanie walks to the town square and runs in to Theo. Stephanie tells Theo that she was going to tell Alex, but Joy got to him first. Theo hugs Stephanie and tells her it’s going to be okay.

Johnny asks what EJ did with Kristen. EJ admits that he planned to imprison her on a DiMera private island but she escaped, so they don’t know where she is, which is why he needs Johnny to be vigilant. EJ thinks Kristen has realized she went too far and that Johnny is probably safe, but you can never be too careful. Johnny asks what EJ is going to do with Kristen when he finds her. EJ says he doesn’t know and he has people looking for her, but promises that Kristen will never intimidate or hurt his children or Johnny’s children ever again.

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Days Update Tuesday, August 4, 2026

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Update written by Joseph

Brady and Rachel have breakfast at the Brady Pub. Rachel brings up Kristen liking pancakes. Brady notes that Sarah does too and says she will be there soon to welcome her home. Rachel wishes it was Kristen and asks when she is going to come see her.

Xander is waiting in Marlena’s office, thinking back to almost kissing Sarah, until Marlena comes in and greets him. Xander calls it a beautiful morning and says he’s in a great mood since Titan gets to live another day. Marlena congratulates him. Xander calls it a major relief and announces that he also just had a breakthrough with Sarah.

Javi has a nightmare about Dimitri trying to strangle Leo and then wakes up in a panic, yelling out Leo’s name while in bed next to Gus.

Leo arrives in Alamainia, re-reading the text from Dimitri and guesses that he must be holding Gwen in the same house that Gwen held him.

At the house in Alamainia, Gwen complains to Dimitri about the food that she is being fed. Dimitri tells her not to worry about being poisoned, even though that’s what he worried about when she had him held captive here for an entire year. Gwen claims to not know what he’s talking about. Dimitri promises to be a better host than she was as he remarks that she didn’t come to visit him the entire time. Gwen says that’s because she didn’t know where he was. Gwen questions how long he’s planning on keeping her here. Dimitri asks if forever works for her.

Javi apologizes to Gus for his nightmare. Gus asks if he wants to tell him what it was about. Javi claims he doesn’t really remember. Gus then points out that Javi was calling out Leo’s name, so it might have been about him.

Leo sits outside and looks up the address to the house where Dimitri was held. Leo says that it’s like a fortress but then says it’s not so complicated to get in. Leo says he’s got this and walks off with his bags.

Gwen questions if Dimitri expects her to admit under extreme duress that she kidnapped him to acquire his vast fortune, because she did not do it. Dimitri tells her to try that on someone who might believe her. Gwen says if she did kidnap him, he’d have a little bit of proof by now and she’d be in a cell. Dimitri calls the house escape proof and says he didn’t have to change a thing from when he was held there. Gwen argues that his sick twisted fantasy will fizzle out quick. Gwen tells him to enjoy his illusion of control because she’s high maintenance and a force to be reckoned with. Dimitri thinks they both know forces can be eliminated.

Brady encourages Rachel that they will hear from Kristen soon and that she’s just busy. Sarah then arrives so Rachel runs up to hug her. Sarah tells her that she’s so happy she’s home. Brady tells Sarah that he’s glad she could join them. Rachel tells Sarah that she missed her, but points out that Kristen might be joining them as she’s probably coming back soon. Brady points out that they don’t know if she is coming, but even if she was, Sarah would not be leaving. Rachel notes that she doesn’t think Kristen would like it.

Marlena asks Xander what kind of breakthrough he had with Sarah. Xander explains that he, Sarah, and Philip were going to celebrate Titan with champagne, but when he and Sarah went to retrieve the bottle, they somehow got locked in the wine cellar. Xander says while they were in there, their chemistry came roaring back and he knows Sarah felt it too. Xander tells Marlena about the mouse and how Sarah jumped in to his arms and they were about to kiss, but Philip showed up to rescue them before they could. Xander declares that he has hope for the first time in a long time that he and Sarah could be together again. Marlena brings up Xander being involved with other women recently. Xander says that was nothing more than lust as his heart wasn’t in to it with Gwen or Kristen. Xander knows Sarah and Brady are in a relationship and that Brady is Marlena’s stepson. Marlena says what’s concerning her is that Xander might be deluding himself in to thinking that almost kiss meant that Sarah wants back in to a relationship with him. Xander questions if she doesn’t think it’s possible. Marlena thinks he needs to be realistic. Xander argues that he is being realistic as he could see it in Sarah’s eyes. Marlena is sure they had a moment, but it still doesn’t mean she wants back in the relationship. Marlena doesn’t think she should be, until Xander has learned to deal with his anger issues because until then, any relationship he has will end up right back in the same place.

Brady questions why Rachel would say Kristen would be okay with Sarah staying. Rachel doesn’t think Kristen likes Sarah very much. Brady says that’s not okay while Rachel apologizes to Sarah for hurting her feelings. Sarah tells her not to worry about it. Rachel then gets a text from a friend wanting to catch up, so Brady sends her to another booth to call her. Brady apologizes to Sarah for Rachel talking about Kristen like that. Sarah promises it’s okay and she gets it as there’s no surprise that Kristen doesn’t like her or anyone involved with Brady. Brady points out that when Sarah walked in, he noticed a vibe and bit of awkwardness, guessing he didn’t imagine that.

Javi questions saying Leo’s name in his sleep and assumes it’s because he’s worried about him traveling on his own to Alamainia to rescue Gwen from Dimitri, who is obviously a really bad guy. Gus asks if he thinks Dimitri is going to kill Leo. Javi admits that he does.

Gwen argues that Dimitri wouldn’t dare eliminate her because he’s having far too much fun on his power trip, watching her suffer. Dimitri admits that and says after all the suffering he had to endure at her hands and exhausting every legal effort, he finally realized he could turn it around and take justice in his own hands. Dimitri adds that if anyone tries to rescue Gwen, they have no legal right. The doorbell then rings, so Dimitri asks who that could be.

Javi tells Gus that he doesn’t know why Dimitri lured Leo to Alamainia, but he knows Dimitri is trouble which is why he’s worried. Gus reminds Javi that Rafe said he’s going to make sure Leo is okay and nothing bad happens to him. Javi then declares that he knows, but he wants to go with Rafe.

Leo arrives and embraces Gwen, saying he’s there to rescue her. Dimitri guesses Leo found the place with no problem. Gwen questions what is going on and how Leo knew she was here. Dimitri responds that he sent out the call and Leo answered.

Xander tells Marlena that he’s done everything she’s asked for months, including getting in touch with his feelings and the roots of his anger, so he believes he can be right for Sarah again. Xander feels Marlena has to admit that he’s made a lot of progress. Marlena admits she is very proud of how far he’s come, but he has to also look at it from Sarah’s perspective.

Sarah tells Brady that nothing is wrong, but they are getting in to a new phase in their relationship where Rachel is home and needs to be his first priority, adding that there’s also Kristen. Brady acknowledges that Kristen will always be in his life because she’s Rachel’s mother, just like Sarah shares a daughter with an ex. Brady calls those just complications but he always assumed they could work through them, unless she’s saying she doesn’t want to.

Gus questions Javi wanting to go to Alamainia. Javi knows it sounds crazy, but he’s not good at being thousands of miles away and pacing as he feels like he has to do something. Gus says as paramedics, it’s in their nature to take action and not let other people do the job. Gus calls that one of the reasons he dropped his life in Texas and moved here to be with him. Gus tells Javi that he understands and cares about him a lot as they kiss. Gus states that Javi means a lot to him and admits he doesn’t like the idea of them being apart, so he’d be the one pacing the floors if he left.

Leo makes sure Gwen is not hurt then says he knows she can’t be okay. Dimitri assures he’s been the most gracious host. Gwen complains that he kidnapped her in broad daylight and held her against her will. Dimitri tells her that she should be thrilled that Leo is here to rescue her. Leo talks about still recovering from a concussion, but says he’s so relieved to see Gwen. Gwen questions what Leo was thinking coming here with the flight risk of his concussion. Leo calls Gwen his best friend in the entire world and someone who really gets him. Leo says he was worried about her, so he needed to see for himself that she was okay. Dimitri asks if Leo needed to see if he was okay too and if he missed him.

Sarah tells Brady that he knows how she feels about him. Brady then gets a text from Kristen, saying she’s not coming home as she needs to go away and it’s something very important she needs to do. Sarah questions where Kristen is going and what could be more important than her daughter. Brady says that’s exactly what he’d like to know.

Xander questions what Marlena means by he needs to see things from Sarah’s perspective. Marlena brings up that when Sarah lied about Philip’s forged letter, Xander couldn’t forgive her and they can’t just sweep that under the rug. Xander says he’s not angry about that anymore. Marlena says anger doesn’t work like that and he has to confront and deal with it. Marlena then brings up Sarah’s anger as she was very upset when he assaulted Philip. Marlena adds that they went to counseling and decided they couldn’t reconcile. Xander repeats that Sarah almost kissed him and believes she would’ve if Philip didn’t interrupt. Marlena points out that he thinks that, but he doesn’t know. Marlena knows Xander wants to reconcile with Sarah and that there’s a physical attraction between them, but argues that it’s not enough to build a life on. Marlena then gets a text from Brady that he needs to see her now at the Pub as it’s an emergency. Marlena tells Xander that she has to cut their session a little bit short and quickly exits her office.

Marlena joins Brady and Sarah at the Pub. Brady thanks her for coming so quickly. Marlena asks if it’s Rachel. Brady says she’s fine. Sarah says she will leave them to it and to let her know if she can help in any way as she exits. Marlena asks Brady what has happened. Brady informs her that it’s Kristen and shows him the text where Kristen said she had to go away. Brady hoped maybe she could figure out what’s going on.

Gus reminds Javi how he felt when Leo ran off to Alamainia with Dimitri and how that was the final straw. Gus points out that Javi still worries about Leo so much that he’s willing to travel thousands of miles to make sure he’s okay and questions why that is. Javi responds that maybe it’s because he feels so lucky to have Gus and his family, but Leo has nobody. Gus says he gets that Javi loved Leo and went all the way to the altar, so just because the relationship didn’t work out doesn’t mean he stops caring. Javi calls Leo a good person and he doesn’t want to see him get hurt. Gus calls Javi a good person and says he trusts him. Gus adds that if something happened to Leo, he knows Javi would never forgive himself and it would come between them, so he’s okay with Javi going to Alamainia.

Marlena agrees that Kristen’s text is puzzling as she doesn’t understand why Kristen would leave Rachel now. Marlena asks how she can help. Brady needs her to help figure a way to tell Rachel that her mother is gone, that they don’t know why, or when she’s coming home. Marlena agrees to do so, but thinks they should wait a little longer until they have a better idea of what’s going on. Marlena then asks if Brady is thinking what she’s thinking.

Sarah runs in to Xander in the town square. Xander asks if everything is alright. Sarah feels they should probably talk about what happened between them last night. Xander claims he’s not sure what she means. Sarah reminds him of when they were locked in the wine cellar and she was so scared of the mouse. Xander says he was just glad he was there to protect her. Sarah starts to say she didn’t want him thinking, but then says nevermind. Xander asks if there’s anything else. Sarah says no and that they are good, so Xander says he has to get to work and walks off, leaving Sarah frustrated.

Brady tells Marlena that he has been thinking that Kristen’s disappearance is tied in to the fact that she’s been frightened of EJ. Marlena recalls Kristen telling her at Bayview that if anything happened to her, she’d like her to keep an eye on Rachel. Brady knows interrogating EJ would just put him on high alert, so he thinks he should loop Steve in on this and hopes they find some answers.

Gus tells Javi to go help Leo. Javi calls him the most understanding boyfriend ever and promises to be back as soon as he knows that Leo is okay. Gus tells him to be safe as Javi gets up to pack his bag.

Leo tells Dimitri that he came to help Gwen. Dimitri says he understands and that he loves him so much because of his big heart. Dimitri says he’s sorry he had to go to such extremes to get Leo here but he didn’t see any other way. Leo questions how long Dimitri plans on keeping them there. Dimitri says however long it takes for Leo to realize they belong together.

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Days Update Monday, August 3, 2026

Days of Our Lives Update

 

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Update written by Joseph

Philip goes to the Kiriakis Mansion to share the good news with Xander that Gabi is giving them the money for their loan payment. Xander comments on the irony of paying EJ back with his own inheritance money. Philip jokes that alone is worth celebrating and they decide to pop open some champagne. Xander asks if they should toast to Gabi, themselves, or Stefano since his fortune saved the day. Sarah then walks in. Philip tells her that she’s just in time to join the celebration. Philip declares that the storm has passed so Titan, endures, thrives, and survives along with their family.

Chad joins Belle at Small Bar and says he’s been looking forward to this all day. Chad mentions running in to Rafe and having a chat about what he just did for Leo.

Cat goes to see Rafe and asks about him saying he had an update on the case. Rafe reveals that it turns out EJ did not kidnap Gwen, it was her ex-husband Dimitri.

EJ has a drink at home as he thinks back to Rita telling him that they successfully took Kristen without incident and EJ admitting that he didn’t expect to feel so sad. Rita then returns to the room and reveals to EJ that she just heard from his associate and they have a big problem with the family jet. EJ says it should have taken off by now. Rita reveals that it has, but Kristen is still here, which shocks EJ.

Cat questions EJ not kidnapping Gwen and how Rafe ruled him out. Rafe says he spoke with Chad and that apparently Leo reached out to Dimitri, who all but admitted to taking Gwen. Rafe says that Leo took the bait and is now on the DiMera jet on his way to Alamainia.

Chad tells Belle that Leo should be landing in Alamainia any minute now. Belle questions if Leo will be okay alone like that. Chad doesn’t think there was any talking him out of it as he seemed to think he was the only one who could find Gwen or get through to Dimitri, so he was determined to rescue her. Belle jokes that Leo has a conscience. Chad says Leo certainly cares about Gwen. Chad then reveals to Belle that he can no longer make their planned trip to Italy.

Sarah calls it fantastic that Titan has been saved and says Maggie will be so relieved. Philip says he’ll be out of the doghouse and invites Sarah to join the celebration. Sarah says she had a long day and was just going to bed, but Philip insists that she has to toast with them in Maggie’s place, so Sarah agrees to have a bottle. Philip brings up a fancy champagne in the wine cellar that Victor saved for special occasions and he’s sure Victor would want them to open one. Xander calls that a great idea and says he’ll go get one. Philip suggests Sarah help Xander look while he goes to get the glasses from the kitchen. Sarah and Xander head to the wine cellar, while Philip sneaks back out behind them. Sarah guesses no one has been down there in awhile and bets Xander that she can find the champagne before him. Xander jokes about previous times when Sarah couldn’t find her keys or missing files in her office. They search for the champagne and end up both finding it at the same time. Their hands meet as they both reach for it but Sarah pulls the bottle out and says she won. Xander argues that he saw it too while Sarah asks what she wins. Xander decides she gets first sip. As they go to leave, they discover they are locked inside. Unbeknownst to them, Philip had locked them in the wine cellar together.

Belle questions why Chad can’t go to Italy. Chad says that something’s come up that’s really important to him and he knows she will understand. Chad reveals that there’s a father-daughter dance right in the middle of their trip. Belle understands he has to be there for Charlotte, but thought the kids were in Boston. Chad says Jack and Jennifer are bringing them back early now. Belle says that’s good as she knows he’s missed them so much. Chad was hoping they could push back their trip to Italy but Belle says with her case load, she doesn’t know when she’d be able to get away again.

Cat asks Rafe about Leo going to Alamainia alone and if they’re sure that’s a good idea. Rafe calls it a terrible idea and reveals that’s why he is going there tomorrow. Cat asks what the plan is. Rafe says thanks to Cat, they have a signed confession from Gwen that she and EJ conspired to kidnap Dimitri and hold him hostage, so hopefully they can get Gwen to flip to save her own skin. Cat says all he has to do is confirm that Dimitri has Gwen. Rafe says he also has to free Gwen and then hopes they will have all the ammunition to take EJ down for good.

EJ tells Rita that he doesn’t understand and asks if Kristen escaped. Rita clarifies that Kristen is still in the cargo container but the DiMera jet has taken off without it which EJ questions. Rita reveals that it was Chad who loaned the jet to Leo Stark which shocks EJ. Rita explains that it was something about Dimitri kidnapping Gwen. EJ remarks that at least it takes the heat off him for a crime he didn’t commit. Rita tells EJ that she’s sorry this is happening, but he can’t leave Kristen in that box until the jet returns because it would be cruel and inhumane.

Xander and Sarah realize they have no service on their phones so they are off the grid. Xander remarks that they are worse places they could’ve been stuck than in a wine cellar and there are worse people he could’ve been stuck with. Sarah thanks him and points out that Philip knows where they are and will eventually come find them so they won’t be stuck forever.

Philip sets up the wine glasses in the living room as he thinks back to Xander talking to him about wanting to win Sarah back someday. Kate comes in and says she got his message, so she hopes she didn’t miss all the fun. Philip informs her that she’s just in time for the toast as thanks to Gabi, Titan lives to fight another day. Kate says that’s great and remarks that it’s about time Gabi did the right thing. Philip tells her to be nice. Kate thought Xander and Sarah were joining them. Philip responds that they will be, but they’ve just been delayed. Philip then admits that he locked them in the wine cellar together.

Belle tells Chad that she moved a lot of things around to get this weekend off for their trip, so her docket is full for the next several months. Chad blames himself for screwing it all up. Belle says he had a very good reason. Belle adds that Marlena will be thrilled and wonders if it’s the universe’s way of telling them to back off and let Paul handle it when he’s done with his case, but Chad declares there’s no way they are doing that.

Cat tells Rafe that she wishes she could tag along for the adventure in Alamainia. Rafe reminds her that she has to work here in the background. Cat agrees that it’s not worth the risk. Rafe promises that as soon as this is all over, he will put in a good word for her with Shane because she’s certainly earned it. Rafe adds that she’s also earned an apology from him.

EJ and Rita go to the airfield. EJ notes that as soon as they open the door to the cargo container, Kristen will know that he was behind it. Rita says she would know that anyway. EJ says they will have to get creative with keeping her there until the jet is back. Rita repeats that they can’t leave her in there as it’s not climate controlled or hygienic. EJ says to brace themselves as he has no doubt that Kristen will charge them. Rita prepares her taser as EJ then unlocks the container and opens the doors, only to find Lexie inside instead.

Kate questions Philip locking Xander and Sarah in the wine cellar, reminding him that he’s not in high school. Philip knows it was a bit juvenile because he feels a bit responsible for breaking them up with all of his lies and secrets. Kate argues that Xander beating him up caused that and she knows he’s been covering for him. Philip says he’s just trying to make things right for them. Kate brings up Brady. Philip feels Brady set himself up for failure because anyone with eyes can see that Sarah and Xander are meant to be together.

Sarah and Xander drink from bottles of wine in the cellar while talking about being patient. Xander brings up the club doing a father-daughter dance and says he would love to take Victoria, even though it’s on one of Sarah’s nights with her. Sarah tells him not to worry about that and assures that Victoria would love that. They then toast to co-parenting.

Belle questions Chad being in to the thrill of the hunt and the puzzle of it all now. Chad says he wants to know the deeper connection to his family’s history and adds that what he has loved the most about the mystery is spending time with her as they kiss.

Rafe apologizes to Cat for giving her a hard time about her methods and her motives as he now knows he was wrong to do that. Rafe tells Cat that she’s been doing a great job going after EJ. Cat admits she was wrong about EJ kidnapping Gwen, so she guesses he’s off the hook for that one at least. Rafe declares that EJ is sure as hell not off the hook for kidnapping Dimitri, so he’s going down for that.

EJ questions what Lexie is doing here. Lexie reveals that she overheard EJ and Rita talking about sending Kristen to the island and she thought that she deserved to be warned. Lexie adds that since they didn’t tell the island staff which sister would be in there, she agreed to switch places with Kristen. EJ questions why. Lexie explains that she made peace with dying alone while Kristen wanted to disappear without his interference. EJ asks where in God’s name Kristen is. Lexie admits she doesn’t know as she just let her out and imagines she is long gone by now. Lexie explains that she passed out behind the container and almost missed the window to let Kristen out, but when EJ’s guard went to go look for the jet, she recovered enough to let Kristen out. EJ can’t believe this. Lexie asks how he could do this to Kristen while EJ questions how Lexie could do this to him. Lexie argues that Kristen is family, so she wasn’t going to let EJ hurt her. Lexie declares that what’s done is done, so there’s no need to change course now. EJ asks what that is supposed to mean. Lexie pleads with EJ to send her to the island because she made peace with her fate and said her goodbyes to Abe and Theo because she doesn’t want them to watch her die.

Belle and Chad walk through the town square. Belle tells Chad that the night is still young and she’s in the mood for ice cream. They talk about being a good match as they kiss until Cat approaches and greets them. Cat says she hopes they are enjoying their evening. Chad confirms they are. Cat says she is still on the clock and has errands to run, so she tells them to have a good night. Chad and Belle walk off together as Cat looks back at them.

Philip argues to Kate that this was always going to end in heartbreak for Brady while the sparks between Sarah and Xander could light up all of Salem because they belong together. Kate says that’s not his call to make. Philip complains that she’s no fun. Kate reminds Philip of his track record when meddling with Brady’s love life and says he can’t interfere. Kate orders him to go let Sarah and Xander out of the wine cellar now.

Sarah doesn’t feel she thanked Xander enough for what he did for Holly. Xander says she has and that Holly is family to him, so he’d do anything for her. Sarah feels he went above and beyond in finding the missing DiMera files and figuring out that somebody planted the drugs in her bag. Sarah states that Xander fought for Holly when no one else believed her. Xander is just glad he could help and says it meant a lot to him that Sarah came to him for help. Sarah is glad she did. Xander points out that it’s not over yet since if EJ did plant the pills, Holly deserves to know that so she’s not deluded about EJ’s devotion to her. Xander adds that he’ll be damned if he lets EJ get away with what he did. Sarah assures that she knows they are right.

EJ tells Lexie that he’s sorry but he cannot do that. Lexie questions if EJ would really deny her dying wish and pleads with him, saying she can’t put Abe and Theo through this again. EJ asks Lexie to come home with him then as he won’t let anyone know she’s there and he will take care of her, himself, so she won’t have to be alone. EJ offers his hand and says they will get Lexie home, which she accepts, so they walk out of the airstrip together.

Chad and Belle have ice cream in the town square and talk about having a really good time tonight. They recall initially matching on the dating app. Belle can’t believe it took an app for them to match with how long they’ve known each other as they kiss.

EJ and Rita bring Lexie home to the DiMera Mansion. EJ orders Rita to have their people have Kristen found. Rita says she’s already on it and tells EJ to focus on Lexie. EJ tells Lexie that he will have her settled where no one will find her and promises no one will know Lexie is staying there. Cat then comes in to the mansion, calling out that the door was open and asks if anyone’s home.

Xander and Sarah talk about how long they’ve been in the wine cellar and wonder why Philip hasn’t come to get them. Sarah gets freaked out by seeing a mouse and jumps in to Xander’s arms. They almost kiss until Philip comes in and says he wondered what was taking them so long.

Cat enters the living room of the DiMera Mansion and only finds Rita inside. Rita asks what brings her by at this hour. Cat responds that she was hoping to speak to EJ. Rita says she’s sorry but EJ isn’t available right now as he’s otherwise engaged. Cat says that’s too bad as she eyes the passage to the tunnels.

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BTG Short Recap Wednesday, August 19, 2026

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Recap written by Michele & Cheryl

Dani and Andre were spending time together at home when she brought out the wine that Heather gave them. It made Andre think about his secret. Dani thought about her own secret. She was remorseful about spending so much time with Bill. Andre realized that he should have talked to her about it instead of drinking. Noah couldn’t get on the open mic night so Nicole offered to let him perform at her place. He was able to perform for Anita. Anita loved what she heard and invited him to sit on a recording session. Izaiah went to see Joey at the casino to talk. He thanked him for saving him. Joey considered him the closest thing to a son and thanked him for the impact he had on his life. He was proud of the man Izaiah has become. Vanessa arrived at the casino and was hoping that Deanna’s interest in Noah would keep her out of her business with Joey.

Leslie and Marcel had dinner at Orphey Gene’s. Their conversation got intimate. They didn’t know that Eva was in a booth near them and could hear their conversation. Eva heard her mother talking about wanting to be someone’s person. Marcel asked her to move to the boat with him. Leslie didn’t think that was her scene. Marcel left to go to the bathroom. Eva went to Leslie’s table to call her out for blowing a sure thing for something that wasn’t going to happen. Marcel came back to the table, and Leslie apologized for turning down his invitation. She offered to sing for him in the middle of Orphey Gene’s.

 

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BTG Short Recap Tuesday, August 18, 2026

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Recap written by Michelle & Cheryl

At the hospital, Bill said he wanted to go home. Since he couldn’t go home, he was willing to snuggle in bed with Hayley. Shanice walked in and said hospital beds were for patients. She told Hayley that she wanted both of her feet on the floor at all times when she came to visit Bill. After Shanice left, Hayley went back to hugging Bill. When the alarms went off, Ashley came into the room and told Bill and Hayley the same thing Shanice said. Bill said he was going home. Ashley and Hayley ended up arguing which led to Ashley calling security on Hayley to throw her out. Hayley said she would be with Bill until his last breath.

Eva told Leslie to give up on Ted. She asked Leslie where things stood with Marcel. Leslie said a daughter shouldn’t be giving her mother relationship advice. Eva thought somebody should give her advice. She said Leslie deserved better. After Eva left, Leslie called Marcel to let him know that he needed to do better if he wanted to be with her. Ted showed up to meet Shanice. He wanted to meet her brothers. Shanice said she wasn’t sure if he was ready for that. Vanessa talked to Nicole about Heather. She said she liked Heather, but Joey was weary of her. Later on, Vanessa tried to find out why Joey was estranged from Heather, but he wouldn’t tell her anything. Joey wanted her to let him know if it was a deal breaker for her. Vanessa agreed not to ask anything else about Heather.

 

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