Days Best Lines For The Week Of May 18, 2026

Days of Our Lives Best Lines

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Best Lines by Michele and Cheryl

Leo: So you’re saying that EJ double crosses you? What did he do? Spit in your shepherd’s pie? Give away your favorite coat to Goodwill? Oh, come on, I’m just joking.
Gwen: If you can’t tell, I’m not in any mood for your stupid jokes. And I can see from your pushy energy you’re not saying any of this as a friend to me but rather as the weaselly reporter, Leo Stark, who’s just jonesing for his next scoop.
Leo: Uh, Gwenny, my sweet, I must inform you that my energy is always pushy.
Leo: I’m also worried about my oldest, dearest friend.
Gwen: Are you being sincere?
Leo: Yes, I am. I promise you I am. I miss my friend, especially when she’s not hurling insults at me like pies at a county fair. 

Gwen: Kristen?
Kristen: Gwen? Ahh, Leo.
Gwen: What are you doing at the Salem Inn?
Leo: Uh, you know, I’m sensing the potential for a rather acrimonious exchange, so I’m just gonna jump in and say that whatever Kristen is doing here, it’s none of our business.
Kristen: Thank you, Leo.
Leo: Although, why does one leave a hotel room in the middle of the afternoon looking like they just auditioned for an ‘80s hair band, unless it was for a little, you know. 

(to Kristen)
Leo: Were you just engaging in a little midday mambo, Ms. DiMera? Is that why your hair looks like it’s doing jazz hands?

(about Kristen)
Leo: I’m not judging. Do you know how many hotel rooms I’ve walked out of in the middle of the afternoon? The “do not disturb sign” was practically invented for me. 

Gabi: Look, I know that you’re not fond of me.
Julie: Nothing gets past you.

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Days Update Monday, May 4, 2026

Days of Our Lives Update

 

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Update written by Joseph

EJ and Cat have drinks at Small Bar. Kristen walks in and takes a seat at a table. Cat notices EJ is distracted and not listening to her, so he apologizes. Cat guesses he’s still worried about the reading of Stefano’s will. EJ admits that ever since he was replaced as executor, he’s been waiting for the other shoe to drop. Kristen sits nearby and flashes back to instructing Sophia to kill Johnny. EJ then spots Kristen and remarks to Cat that she is just the woman he’s been trying to get away from. Cat asks if he wants to go somewhere else. EJ says it’s okay because he’s with a beautiful and charming woman to distract him.

Leo sits in the town square when he gets a notification on his phone about the fire and realizes it’s Johnny and Chanel’s apartment, so he rushes off worried about Trey.

At the hospital, Javi comes over and asks Sarah how Johnny is. Sarah says she’s going to have a nurse check on him as she has to go check on something. Sarah then asks if Javi is alright as Javi gets dizzy and collapses. Sarah calls for a gurney as she checks on Javi.

Chanel sits at Johnny’s side in his hospital room and tells him that he’s being taken in for a chest x-ray soon. Chanel asks if Johnny remembers what happened and who did this to him. Johnny reveals that it was Sophia. Johnny says she tried to kill him and admits he was so scared of never seeing Chanel again as they hug.

At the hospital, Jada calls for three police units at the bus station and every nearby hotel. Leo comes in and asks Jada about the crime scene notification and if Trey is okay. Jada responds that Trey was not the victim and that’s all she’s at liberty to say. Leo declares that he will find out on his own then and rushes off.

Kristen wonders why EJ has not been called. EJ then gets a call from Chanel and asks if everything is alright. Chanel responds that it’s not so EJ asks what’s wrong. Chanel informs him that it’s Johnny. EJ says he’ll be right there and tells Cat that Johnny is hurt. Cat asks what happened. EJ says he’s being treated at the hospital as they speak. Cat offers to go with him but EJ says it’s fine and thanks her as he rushes off. Kristen laughs nearby about EJ receiving bad news.

Sarah gets Javi in a hospital bed as Javi jokes about not being used to being the patient now. Sarah asks how he’s feeling. Javi responds that his head is pounding and he’s a little queasy. Sarah explains that Javi inhaled some of the gas and assumes he collapsed after the adrenaline wore off. Leo then arrives and asks if Javi is alright.

Chanel gets Johnny back in to his hospital bed after the x-rays. Chanel hopes Sarah will get the results soon. Chanel complains of the thought of Sophia pepper spraying him and tying him up, saying he must have been terrified. Johnny responds that what she did was so calculated and evil while he just sat there, waiting to die and thinking about the fact that he might never see Chanel again or that he might not be around to watch their kids grow up. Chanel then thinks back to receiving her test results from Sarah. Chanel starts to cry. Johnny says he’s sorry as he didn’t mean to upset her. Chanel asks how she could not be upset after what he went through. Chanel says that Trey and their unborn baby need him so much, so he has to be there for them. Johnny responds that she does too. Johnny then asks what’s wrong.

Leo says he heard about the fire and he was so scared for Trey. Leo asks if Javi is alright. Javi responds that he’s fine while Leo argues that he doesn’t look like it and calls him a wounded warrior. Sarah says she’ll be right back and asks them to keep it brief but Javi asks her not to leave Leo alone with him. Leo pleads with Javi to just give him a minute. Sarah tells Javi to press the call button if he needs anything. Leo compares Javi not wanting to be alone with him to how he felt about Dimitri and worrying it would rekindle old feelings. Leo asks if that’s what Javi is afraid of with him.

Cat approaches Kristen and tells her that she thought she should know that EJ just got a phone call that Johnny was in some accident and has been rushed to the hospital. Kristen pretends to be concerned and asks if it’s serious. Cat says she’s not sure as EJ left so quickly that he didn’t say. Kristen asks if Johnny’s not dead. Cat assures that he’s definitely alive. Kristen thanks her and decides she should get to the hospital, so she exits.

Jada asks Sarah if she can go question Johnny which she allows. Sarah asks if she’s heard anything about Sophia. Jada responds that they haven’t found her yet, but they did find a suicide note. EJ then arrives, asking if Johnny is alright.

Chanel tells Johnny that she just can’t imagine what she would do without him because she needs him so much. Johnny responds that he needs her too and promises to never take another moment with her for granted again. Chanel doesn’t understand why Sophia would do this. Johnny says that she was getting revenge on him for initially backing out of the adoption and ruining her life as she said he didn’t deserve to be her son’s father. EJ then rushes in and hugs Johnny, thankful that he is alright.

Leo tells Javi that he had no reason to be afraid of being alone with Dimitri and that it made him realize that Javi is the only man for him. Javi remarks that he’s struggling to breathe and Leo is sucking the oxygen out of the room. Javi says that’s enough of Dimitri and questions Leo not understanding that he has a boyfriend. Leo says he does understand and swears he didn’t come looking for Javi and didn’t even know he was here. Leo explains that he was worried about Trey and Jada wouldn’t give him any answers, so he went looking for Johnny and Chanel but instead, fate led him to Javi.

Rafe sits at home when he gets a call from Cat, informing that EJ just got a phone call that Johnny has been hurt. Rafe questions how badly and what happened. Cat says she doesn’t know anything else but EJ had to go to the hospital. Rafe says he’s on it. Cat adds that she’ll be right over.

EJ declares that Sophia is about to learn what DiMera vengeance is really like while Johnny asks him not to escalate things any further as he’s fine and Trey is safe, so it’s over. Johnny just wants to take this moment and be thankful that none of them got hurt. EJ thanks God for that and thanks Chanel for calling him when she did. Chanel knew that Johnny would want him to know. EJ says when he hired around the clock protection for Trey, he never imagined Sophia would go after Johnny instead. Johnny says she definitely went off the rails and had some kind of psychotic break. Johnny says that Sophia needs help while EJ argues that she needs to spend her life behind bars for the attempted murder of his son. Jada comes in and checks on Johnny. Jada says there’s an investigation underway and wants to ask Johnny questions. EJ tries to interrupt but Jada says Johnny can speak for himself. Johnny agrees to answer a few questions. EJ says he’ll be right outside if he needs anything and adds that he’s so grateful he’s not hurt. EJ then exits. Chanel asks Jada if they have found Sophia yet. Jada says not yet, but reveals they did find a suicide note. EJ then finds Kristen at the hospital and questions what the hell she’s doing here. Kristen responds that Cat told her about Johnny, so she wanted to see how her nephew was doing. EJ mocks the idea that she cares. Kristen insists that she does and he’s family, so she asks if Johnny is badly hurt. EJ responds that Johnny is fine, but the same won’t be true for that murderous headcase Sophia Choi as she’s going to pay for what she did to his son.

Javi tells Leo that now he knows all is well and everyone is okay, so he can ask fate for a ride home. Leo refuses until he gets more details. Leo asks who the victim of the crime was. Javi informs him that it was Johnny and he’s going to be fine. Paulina then arrives with Trey and says she thought this was Johnny’s room. Javi and Leo are excited to see Trey. Paulina acknowledges that Javi saved Johnny’s life. Paulina repeats that she thought this was Johnny’s room but she’s glad she made that mistake as Jada told her how heroic Javi was in storming in to save Johnny’s life. Javi responds that he was just doing his job. Paulina wishes she could get her hands on Sophia. They question what Sophia has to do with this. Paulina reveals to them that Sophia tried to murder Johnny and almost caused her a family tragedy. Leo and Javi say to send their best to Johnny and Chanel as Paulina exits with Trey. Leo then questions what happened between Johnny and Sophia.

Cat goes to Rafe’s house and asks if he got any intel on Johnny. Rafe confirms that Johnny is fine with no serious injuries, but she’s not going to believe what went down.

Johnny tells Jada that he told Sophia that she didn’t want to do whatever she was planning, but she insisted because backing out of the adoption ruined her life. Johnny says he tried to apologize but she just left him there. Johnny guesses if Sophia took her own life, that’s why she wasn’t worried about the consequences of what she was doing.

EJ informs Kristen that Sophia tried to murder Johnny by blowing him up in his apartment, explaining that she tied him up and lit a candle near acetone. Kristen remarks that couldn’t she have just shot him and says she just meant that what Sophia did was so extreme and twisted. EJ says he’s just grateful that Johnny survived and isn’t seriously hurt. Kristen asks if Sophia told Johnny why she tried to kill him in the way she did. EJ responds that he’s not sure and that Johnny is answering Jada’s questions as they speak.

Jada informs Chanel and Johnny that they haven’t found Sophia yet but she will let them know if there’s any updates and she’ll be in touch if there’s any follow up questions. Jada says to let her know if they need anything as she exits. Johnny asks Chanel again why she was at the hospital when he was brought in instead of at the aquarium with Lani and Trey. Chanel says they don’t have to talk about that right now but Johnny insists, so Chanel tells him that a last minute mammogram appointment opened up so she came here instead and tried to call him, but had no idea what he was going through. Johnny says he had no idea either and asks about the mammogram results.

Leo tells Javi that he cannot believe Sophia would do such a thing. Javi says when he saw gas outside the apartment, all he could think of was Trey. Leo says one day, Trey will hear the story of Javier Hernandez saving his life and he will learn that Javi is a hero. Javi calls that kind of him to say but he doubts his captain will think going in there without the proper PPE was that heroic. Leo agrees that he shouldn’t do that again and says he’s just glad that Javi is okay.

Cat can’t believe what she’s hearing but is thankful that Johnny is okay. Rafe mentions that Johnny has a wife and kid with another on the way. Rafe adds that he loves Johnny like a son. Rafe tells Cat that based on the circumstances, it seems like someone up there was looking out for him. Cat asks if there’s anything they can do to help. Rafe says not officially right now as they have an APB out on Sophia and he hopes they find her before anything drastic happens. Cat asks what he means. Rafe then informs her that Sophia left a suicide note. Rafe questions how Cat knew that Johnny was hurt and if EJ told her. Cat confirms that she was with EJ when he found out. Rafe asks if they were working but Cat admits they were at dinner, so Rafe guesses they were on a date.

Jada tells EJ what Johnny told her about Sophia making a makeshift bomb and leaving Johnny to die while all she said was that it was revenge for ruining her life. Kristen listens from nearby as Jada says all they have is that and the suicide note, but the investigation is ongoing. Kristen questions there being a suicide note and if they’ve found a body. Jada says not yet and adds that there’s a chance she didn’t follow through. EJ remarks that if she’s still breathing, that’s a problem he’d be happy to correct. Jada warns EJ to be careful what he says in case Sophia is found alive and then something happens to her. EJ questions protecting Sophia. Kristen calls it all a shame. EJ responds that the shame would be if Sophia evades justice. Kristen calls that rich coming from him and says that Sophia could be dead and her anger at Johnny goes back to him pulling out of the adoption. EJ questions Kristen blaming the victim and points out that Kristen isn’t exactly free of sin when it comes to Sophia Choi.

Chanel starts to tell Johnny what Sarah told her but Paulina comes in with Trey, so they have Johnny hold Trey. Paulina says she realized they needed the best medicine available. Johnny tells Trey that he’s so grateful to be here with them. Johnny states there are no words for how blessed he feels right now.

Javi thanks Leo for his concern. Leo tells Javi that he will always care about him. Leo knows Javi has an important but dangerous job. Javi admits he cares about Leo too and part of him always will. Javi then says he’s sorry as they can’t be having these conversations when they aren’t in a relationship anymore. Leo argues that it’s hard for them to keep their distance in this town and questions pretending they are strangers. Javi says he’s not saying they have to go that far. Sarah comes in and says she’s sorry to interrupt but she has to go over test results with Javi. Leo asks if Javi wants him to stay, then remarks that he forgot they are strangers now, so he asks if Javi wants him to call Rafe, Gabi, or his boyfriend. Javi responds that he’s got it and thanks him. Leo tells him to take care of himself and sadly exits the room. Sarah promises that it gets easier.

Paulina comments on Abe putting a crib together and tells Chanel that she can stay in their guest room while their apartment is unavailable. Chanel thanks her for everything. Paulina says she loves them and that Trey lights up their lives. They say goodbye as Paulina exits with Trey. Johnny guesses Chanel hasn’t told Paulina about the breast lump. Chanel assures that she will once she knows more. Johnny asks when Chanel will have the mammogram results. Chanel responds that Sarah put a rush on them. Johnny guesses that means it’s okay but Chanel says no and that have to wait for the biopsy to know exactly what they are dealing with, but Sarah thinks it’s cancer.

Rafe questions Cat being on a date with EJ. Cat tells him it’s nothing like that. Rafe asks what it was like then. Cat explains that EJ wanted her to get him out of the house since he and Kristen had a bunch of tension and he wanted a distraction. Rafe guesses she was the distraction. Cat promises she’s just doing her job and that’s all she will ever be doing.

Kristen questions what the hell EJ means by her not being free of sin with Sophia and claims she had no idea what was going through Sophia’s head. EJ brings up Kristen defending her when she ran in to them in the town square. Kristen argues that she would defend anyone that EJ was threatening and adds that Sophia was a friend of her daughter’s. EJ questions if Sophia indicated she would be planning something like this and if Kristen knew that Johnny might be in danger. Kristen can’t believe EJ is trying to pin this on her. Leo comes over and says he can sense the tension so he encourages them to find peace in their hearts. Jada then gets a call and instructs the team to drag the river. EJ asks if they have anything. Jada reveals that they found Sophia’s backpack on a bridge and a police boat found a shoe, but no body yet. Jada feels it does indicate that Sophia followed through on her note after all.

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Days Update Friday, May 1, 2026

Days of Our Lives Update

 

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Update written by Joseph

Tate and Holly meet in the town square. Holly talks about being overwhelmed with finals and not really having her internship with Titan anymore since Stephanie isn’t writing. Holly wonders what she’s going to do all summer now. Tate encourages her to relax and hang out with him.

Sophia sits in her room with the suicide note that she wrote until her mom Amy comes in with a bag of food. Amy tells her that she wants to celebrate her tonight and how happy her family is that she’s home. Amy says that no one is happier than she is and that she loves her so much as she hugs her and Sophia says she loves her too.

Sarah goes back to check on Chanel but finds she’s gone from the hospital. Sarah then tries to call her but it goes to voicemail, so she leaves a message that they really need to do the additional imaging.

Johnny remains tied up in his apartment and dreams of Chanel coming home to try to rescue him but the place blowing up. Johnny then snaps out of it and realizes that wasn’t real, then he sees the candle remains lit and he continues to worry.

Holly talks to Tate about how she’s usually excited for summer and how the meds Sophia gave her are slowly leaving her system. Tate says she does seem to be doing better while Holly questions how long it’s going to be before she starts feeling like herself again.

Amy says she’s going to start cooking and invites Sophia to join her, but Sophia claims she’s going to meet with a student about applying for the University of Chicago. Amy tells her that’s great and to just be home for dinner. Sophia tells her that she knows things haven’t always been great between them and that she brought a lot of grief to the family. Sophia cries that she’s really sorry about that and even though they disagree on everything, she knows that she has always wanted the best for her. Sophia says she really appreciates that and that she knows Amy never stopped loving her no matter what. Amy assures that she never will. Amy acknowledges that she’s made a lot of mistakes as a mother and wishes she could go back to spare the pain she caused her. Amy says she thanks God every day for giving them a second chance and that Sophia got the treatment she needed to come home. Amy praises Sophia doing the hard work to get better and says now she has a bright, beautiful future ahead of her. Amy can’t wait to see where it leads. The doorbell rings, so Amy goes to answer it, leaving Sophia holding back tears.

Sarah and Chanel find each other at the hospital as Chanel explains that she just went to the chapel while waiting for radiology to come back. Sarah was worried that Chanel left. Chanel admits she thought about it but she knows putting it off won’t change anything. Sarah encourages that it won’t take very long and says she’s really glad she stuck around. Chanel wishes Johnny was there or that he’d at least call her back because it’s not like him to not at least text back.

Javi shows up at Johnny and Chanel’s apartment complex with another firefighter in response to a gas leak. They talk about being unable to find it but then Javi thinks he smells it from inside. Javi orders his partner to call it in as he knocks on the door.

Holly and Tate have dessert in the town square. Holly credits Tate for making her feel better. Holly talks about looking in to course for next semester and starts suggesting that she and Tate take a class together. Holly notices that makes Tate uncomfortable and asks him what’s wrong. Tate responds that he was going to wait until after finals to tell her, but he’s dropping out of college.

Sophia looks at her photo of Trey and remarks that he’ll be much better off without Johnny. Sophia then hears Amy answering the door and that it’s Brady and Jada, who tells her that they need to bring Sophia down the to the police station.

Sarah brings Chanel back to her hospital room and talks about being there for her. Chanel worries about what if it is cancer. Sarah says if so, she’ll make sure she gets the best care possible and she’ll be there every step of the way. Chanel thanks her and says she couldn’t ask for a better doctor or friend. Chanel asks how long she has to wait for the results. Sarah says she asked radiology to read the imaging immediately so she won’t have to wait longer.

Javi breaks in to the apartment to find Johnny tied up. Javi begins to cut him free and asks what happened. Johnny says Chanel and Trey’s names while Javi asks who did this to him and then the cup of liquid catches on fire.

Holly questions why Tate would drop out of college now when he worked so hard to get his grades back up. Tate says he was proud of that but he was miserable spending his Christmas break taking online classes and he wanted to see if it got better but it didn’t. Holly had no idea he was so unhappy. Tate mentions that the one class he did enjoy was exercise physiology and it made him want to learn more to become a personal trainer. Tate knows it seems out of left field and impulsive but says he has a vision for himself to start working towards having his own business and maybe be training clients by the end of the year. Tate talks about wanting to help people. Holly admits that it seems like he put a lot of thought in to this. Tate adds that if he changed his mind, he could always re-enroll but he feels like he has to give this a shot. Tate asks if she’s upset. Holly responds that she just thought they were going to share the whole college experience together, but she won’t argue with what makes him happy.

Amy tells Brady and Jada that there must be a mistake as they go to Sophia’s room and find that she escaped through the window.

Sarah returns to Chanel with her test results. Chanel worries that it’s not good news. Sarah confirms the results are highly suggestive of a malignancy but urges her not to jump to the worst case scenario, adding that most breast cancers are curable. Chanel cries that she already had one type of cancer and now could have another while pregnant. Sarah promises to get her and her baby through whatever she is facing.

The firefighter instructs Javi to get Johnny out and that he will go check the bedroom.

Amy says she doesn’t understand as Sophia said she was going to meet with a college student about summer classes. Jada guesses she heard them out the door and ran for it. Brady says she couldn’t have gotten far. Jada tells Brady to stay there while she exits. Brady picks up the photo of Trey that Sophia left behind while Amy finds the suicide note that Sophia left behind.

Kristen goes to a bridge, looking for Sophia.

Tate promises Holly that nothing is going to change between them. Sophia then appears in the town square and calls out Holly for what she said about her online. Holly responds that it was all true. Sophia asks if she gets off by spreading lies and rumors online. Holly argues that they aren’t rumors and calls her a criminal and psychopath. Holly mocks her pretending to be a sad innocent victim. Sophia brings up Holly posting that she wishes she was dead. Holly asks what she expected after everything she’s done and points out that Sophia could’ve killed her. Sophia denies giving her meds to Holly while Tate argues that they all know she did. Sophia says of course Tate would take Holly’s side, but argues that Holly hated her long before this because she’s jealous of her. Sophia remarks that Holly hates that she slept with Tate before she did and it drives her insane, so she made up a story to get her in trouble. Holly tells Sophia that no one believes her, no one likes her, and no one wants her around. Holly says it’s sad because she used to be normal but she blew it because she couldn’t handle that Tate chose her. Holly argues that Sophia deserves all the hate coming towards her and she hopes it never ends. Sophia questions Tate letting Holly tal to her like that. Tate points out that Sophia came over to them. Holly argues that she still has her sanity, friends, and Tate while Sophia has nothing. Holly declares that she’s most happy that Johnny and Chanel got her baby away from Sophia. Sophia calls her horrible. Holly tells her to get over herself and remarks that it’s obvious she stopped taking her meds and that she shouldn’t have been let out of Bayview. Holly calls her a crazy bitch and admits part of her wishes she really was dead. Sophia then blows her a kiss and walks away.

Sarah tells Chanel that she will schedule the biopsy right away. Chanel says she just needs time to process all of this. Javi and the firefighter then arrive with Johnny on a stretcher. Javi explains to Sarah how he was found as Chanel is shocked to see Johnny.

Holly complains to Tate about Sophia and calls her a sociopath. Tate says he’s so sorry for what Sophia said to her. Holly mentions that she did post that Sophia was dead to her but it was just a figure of speech and she probably shouldn’t have said she wishes it were true, but says she kept doubling down on her lies and she can’t take it anymore. Holly declares that she just really hates Sophia and calls her pure evil, like a demon free to torture them. Tate encourages that they will make her pay and send her to Bayview or maybe even prison. Holly remarks that she wants Sophia to rot in Hell for what she did to them, Johnny, and Chanel. Holly repeats that there’s nothing good in Sophia as she is pure evil. Tate says he doesn’t disagree. Holly then asks if she’s evil too and if he thinks she’s a terrible person for saying all these things about her. Tate encourages that she’s not and that she has every right to feel the way she does about Sophia.

Amy sits down and tearfully reads Sophia’s suicide note. Amy says she has to go find her daughter. Jada comes back and tells them that she couldn’t find Sophia. Brady then reveals to her that they found a suicide note. Jada calls it in to the police as Amy cries that this can’t be happening.

Javi asks Chanel where Trey is since he wasn’t in the apartment. Chanel explains that he’s in Chicago with Lani and asks about seeing Johnny. Javi says Sarah just wants to examine him first. Chanel asks what happened and why Johnny was rushed in. Javi informs her that one of her neighbors called that they smelled gas coming from their place. Chanel asks if Johnny passed out from the gas leak but Javi reveals there was no gas leak, confusing Chanel as she questions again what happened. Javi reveals that he found Johnny tied to a chair with a lit candle near an accelerant and the stove on. Chanel asks why but Javi says he doesn’t know and that it seems like someone was trying to kill him.

Sarah gets Johnny in a hospital bed where he comments on being dizzy from all the gas and fumes. Sarah mentions the lacerations on his wrists and asks if he was tied up. Johnny confirms he was and that the gas leak wasn’t an accident. Sarah asks if he knows who would’ve done this to him. Johnny then reveals that it was Sophia Choi.

Sophia meets Kristen on the bridge. Kristen says it’s remote and secluded with no security cameras which means nothing can be recorded. Kristen asks if she took care of Johnny. Sophia pulls out the gun and tosses it in to the river. Sophia then asks if Kristen has her money and fake passport because she’s going to start a new life in Paris. Kristen says that Sophia first needs to jump in the river or at least make it look like she did to take her own life because everyone needs to believe that she’s dead. Sophia responds that the old her is dead and confirms that she wrote the suicide note, so she’s sure her mom found it by now and everyone will know that Holly and Johnny drove her to this. Kristen tells her that revenge is sweet. Sophia starts to cry so Kristen questions what’s wrong. Sophia admits she’s going to miss her family. Kristen questions her getting cold feet when they are this close. Sophia assures that she’s good and doing this. Sophia thanks Kristen. Kristen instructs her to leave her backpack and throw her shoes in the river, which she does. Kristen reminds Sophia to grip the railing in case the police check for fingerprints. Kristen then come from behind and smashes Sophia in the back of the head with a rock, knocking her out. Kristen flashes back to confronting Sophia over using Rachel. Kristen calls Sophia a stupid girl and asks if she really thought she’d let her get away with what she did to her daughter.

Chanel visits Johnny in his hospital room and says Javi just told her what happened. Chanel asks if someone really tried to kill him. Johnny questions Chanel being at the hospital when they brought him in when he thought she was in Chicago. Johnny asks if something happened and if Trey is okay. Chanel assures that Trey is fine with Lani at the aquarium and they are heading back to Salem now. Johnny questions why Chanel was here but Chanel says to just focus on him for now.

In the town square, Jada tells Brady that Sophia seems to have disappeared but the entire police force is looking for her. Brady then spots Tate and Holly, so he asks if they’ve seen Sophia. Tate confirms that she was there awhile ago. Holly asks who she’s terrorized now. Jada asks if they know where she went. Holly says they got in to it and Sophia ran off. Tate adds that she seemed pretty upset and questions what’s going on. Brady reveals they were at Sophia’s house earlier. Jada explains that she was going to bring her in for questioning about the pill switch. Brady then informs Holly and Tate that Sophia wasn’t there, but they found a suicide note. Jada gets a call from Sarah, who informs her that Johnny was just brought in by the fire department after nearly dying from inhaling gas in his apartment. Sarah informs Jada that according to Johnny, Sophia Choi tried to murder him. Jada is shocked and asks when this happened. Sarah says it was a little over an hour ago and tells Jada that she has to find Sophia. Jada confirms they are looking for her now but so far there’s been no luck. Sarah asks how she can help. Jada instructs her to have an officer watch Johnny’s hospital room and she’ll be right there. Sarah hangs up as Javi comes over and asks how Johnny is. Sarah says she’s going to have a nurse check on him as she has to go check on something. Sarah then asks if Javi is alright as Javi gets dizzy and collapses.

Kristen has two men dump Sophia’s body into the river. Kristen then tosses the bloody rock in after her and declares that she told her revenge was sweet.

 

If you or someone you know needs help, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, or visit 988lifeline.org. It’s free, confidential, and available 24/7.

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Days Short Recap Friday, May 22, 2026

Daytime Soap Opera Short Recaps

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Recap written by Michele and Cheryl

Jack went to see Gwen. She wanted to know why he was there. Jack said he heard about her voice and talked to Chad. He said he had room in his heart for two daughters. Jack said he wanted to have a relationship with her. Gwen said Jennifer hated her and wouldn’t be happy with them getting along. Jack said she was his daughter and would always be his daughter. Gwen became emotional. Jack let her know that she was wanted and loved. At the Kiriakis mansion, Gabi talked to Xander. She told him about the things shes done. Gabi apologized to Xander and prepared herself for his wrath. Xander said he was working on his anger issues. He said he was anger at her. Xander said he would have done the same thing. He let her know that wasn’t a good thing. Gabi explained why she did what she did. Gabi let him know that she wasn’t taking Tony’s offer to be CEO. She thought Theo told Philip the truth. Xander asked why he would do that. He told her he would hold the deepest grudge. Gabi said she would give Titan money when she got her DiMera money. Throughout the episode, Steve and Kayla reminisced about their 40 years together.

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Days Short Recap Thursday, May 21, 2026

Daytime Soap Opera Short Recaps

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Recap written by Michele and Cheryl

Theo ran into EJ outside of the pub. He told EJ that Tony wanted to replace Johnny with Gabi at DiMera. EJ was upset about that. Theo went i the pub to meet with Abe. He asked Abe if he made a decision about Lexie and Paulina. Theo told Abe how long Paulina knew Lexie was alive. He said Paulina was the reason why Lexie was alive. EJ went into the DiMera mansion and told Kristen what Tony planned to do with DiMera. Kristen was upset that Tony picked Gabi over her. EJ thought it was funny. He reminded her about her conviction. While they were talking, they talked about who was the worst child between Rachel and Johnny. Kristen ended up siding with Tony and was going to support his decision as long as it wasn’t Johnny running the company. Tony told Anna about Gabi. While they were talking, Tony let her know that he would be staying in Salem. Anna was upset. Later on, Anna went over to Titan to talk to Philip. She told him that Gabi betrayed him. When Philip didn’t know what she was talking, she tried to backtrack what she was saying. While they were talking, Anna told Philip that Gabi planted the bug and gave it to Tony. She said Gabi was the reason why his family lost almost everything.

Paulina went to Lexie’s room. Lexie thanked her for looking after Abe while she was gone. She let Paulina know that she wasn’t needed since she was back and wasn’t going anywhere. While they were talking, Lexie confronted Paulina about the things she’s done wrong. Paulina said she would step back. She told Lexie that she better not let her regret it. Gabi saw Julie and asked her to tutor Liam virtually. Julie agreed to do it if the D.A. signed off on it. She said she would do it for Arianna, not Gabi. Philip ran into Gabi. He told her that she was a DiMera heir. Philip said she was a true DiMera. He confronted her about what she did. Philip said if she told him herself, he might have forgiven it. While he was yelling at her, he ordered her to get her things out of the mansion. EJ let Tony know that he was going to run DiMera. Tony told him he needed someone steady and reliable. He said that wasn’t EJ. Anna showed up and told Tony that she told Philip the truth about Gabi. Tony thought Gabi was going to think he did this and never work for him. Theo went to see Lexie. She told him Paulina offered to step back from Abe. Theo felt bad for Paulina. Lexie said Paulina would be fine. Theo said Paulina was like family to him. Paulina had her suitcases packed when Abe showed up. Abe wanted to talk, but she said she loved him too much to keep his family apart. He tried to convince her to stay, but she left.

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Days Update Thursday, April 30, 2026

Days of Our Lives Update

 

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Update written by Joseph

Stephanie goes to the hospital to find Kayla and they embrace.

Brady goes to Marlena’s office at the hospital and tells her that he has some good news. Brady informs her that he spoke to Dr. Gregory at Bayview and showed her documents that he and Kristen share custody which means Kristen can no longer make parental decisions unilaterally, so Marlena can visit Rachel anytime she wants. Marlena is thrilled and calls that the best news. Brady remarks that there’s nothing Kristen could do that would surprise him.

Chanel tries calling Johnny at the hospital but he doesn’t answer. Sarah then comes in to walk her to radiology.

After knocking Johnny out in his apartment, Sophia pours liquid into a cup and says that she’s sorry to Kristen because shooting Johnny would be too easy, so if she’s going to do this, she’s going to go all the way. Johnny then wakes up, tied to a chair and questions why she did this and what she’s doing. Sophia responds that she’s making his death trap because she’s here to kill him. Johnny tells her that she doesn’t want to do this. Sophia says that when Johnny backed out of the adoption, he ruined her entire life. Johnny says he’s sorry for how that all happened. Sophia talks about how terrifying it was to give birth all alone with no one to help. Johnny says he can only imagine how awful it must have been for her. Sophia calls it the most painful thing she ever had to do in her life, while Johnny got to walk away with the perfect life and has her son. Johnny repeats that he’s sorry. Sophia complains that she lost everything, had to drop out of college, and ended up in a psychiatric hospital. Johnny urges her to let him help her and to think of Trey. Sophia responds that all she ever does is think of Trey and she hears him crying every time she closes her eyes. Sophia says she doesn’t have a problem with Chanel, but remarks that Johnny doesn’t deserve to be a father. Sophia declares that she’s tried every other way to get him out of her son’s life, so now the only way left is to get rid of him permanently.

Marlena hopes Brady and Kristen are keeping things amicable for Rachel which he says they are. Marlena then asks about Basic Black and Brady says he’s afraid that news isn’t so positive. Marlena guesses Xander is still forcing her to work with Kate. Brady says he spoke to Philip in hopes that he could make some headway, but he decided to back Xander. Brady says as much as he wants Marlena involved in the family business, he doesn’t want her to be uncomfortable so he will support whatever she decides.

Jada visits Shawn in the hospital and says he looks ready to get out. Shawn is hopeful that it will happen this week which Jada calls great news and says she has his guest room all ready for him.

Stephanie tells Kayla that she came for her appointment with Marlena. Kayla talks about recovering from trauma being a long road. Stephanie says she couldn’t get through this without her and Steve, but that’s not why she’s upset today so Kayla asks what it is. Stephanie informs her that Joy Wesley just came back to Salem with her new baby and they think it’s Alex’s. Stephanie explains that Joy showed up at their door unannounced and thought Alex deserved to know his child. Kayla thought her pregnancy test was negative. Stephanie reveals that Joy lied. Kayla says she’s so sorry and asks why she finally decided to tell Alex. Stephanie responds that she actually got some encouragement from a friend.

Marlena knows how important it is to Brady to keep Basic Black in the family and she feels the same way. Brady calls Xander a snake and complains that he’s trying to punish him for dating Sarah by going after his dad’s family. Marlena responds that regardless of how they feel about it, Xander is the boss. Brady questions if she’s saying they roll over and do what he wants. Marlena talks about spending hours in her office trying to get people to compromise, so maybe she should do the same thing and try to find a compromise that works for Xander and for them. Brady asks if she’s sure, feeling it’s a lot to ask considering how Kate set up Johnny. Marlena says she wants to make it work for Brady and John.

Shawn shows Jada how he can use his crutches and ends up falling in to Jada’s arms.

After her test, Sarah instructs Chanel to wait for the radiologist to come back. Chanel wants to make it home before Lani gets home with Trey. Sarah says it shouldn’t take long and she just wants to make sure they get the answers they are looking for.

Johnny tells Sophia that this is only going to make things worse for her. Sophia remarks that she’ll at least know he got what he deserved. Johnny tries to apologize while Sophia yells at him to stop. Sophia says this isn’t about how she feels, but what he did to her. Johnny doesn’t know what she wants him to say. Sophia instructs him to apologize for screwing up her life, so he does. Johnny asks if she accepts his apology. Sophia says she’s really glad to hear he’s sorry, but that’s not nearly enough. Sophia then uses a match to light a candle.

Stephanie tells Kayla that Jeremy is the reason Joy came back and that he said he was trying to help her. Stephanie acknowledges that it’s not like Alex didn’t have a right to know. Kayla understands it’s hard to know that her husband had a baby he didn’t know about. Stephanie knows Kayla can relate. Kayla says it was different since Tripp was an adult when he came in to their life, but luckily Ava is not in their life anymore. Kayla adds that Joy is not Ava, so she bets they can work this out. Stephanie says she hopes so.

Sarah informs Chanel that the radiologist wants to take another look at her left breast and an ultrasound. Chanel questions having to do this today as she wants to get home to Trey. Sarah recommends getting it done today and asks if she wants to reach out to Johnny again. Chanel says she did but he didn’t answer and asks if it’s really that important for him to be there. Sarah encourages having her loving partner there to make things easier. Sarah says she will be back when they are ready as she exits the room.

Sophia tells Johnny that she could’ve taken him out the easy and simple way but she liked the idea of him watching it all unfold while being completely helpless to stop it. Sophia reveals that she placed a candle next to an accelerant, so as it slowly burns down, it will slowly reach the fumes. Johnny asks if she’s going to set the apartment on fire. Sophia says not quite and reveals that she turned on the gas burners in the kitchen so it will cause an explosion and he will be no more. Johnny yells at her to think about the innocent people in the building that would also be affected. Sophia responds that he’s the one who caused this, so if innocent people are hurt, they have no one to blame but him. Johnny argues that she doesn’t mean that and she’s a good person. Johnny reminds her of when they talked when she was pregnant about how she just wanted what’s best for Trey. Sophia tells him to stop talking and that he can spend what’s left of his life letting his miserable life flash before his eyes. Johnny pleads with her not to do this. Sophia tells him to think about everything he’s taken away from her and everything he’s about to lose.

Jada gets Shawn back on to his hospital bed as Kayla walks in and asks what’s going on. Jada explains that Shawn was anxious to get out and showing off on his crutches but ended up falling. Shawn blames the floor being slippery while Kayla reminds him that she said not to push himself. Shawn pleads with Kayla that he’s ready to go home. Kayla asks how she can trust him not to hurt himself if she discharges him.

Stephanie has her appointment with Marlena and complains that she didn’t mean to lead Jeremy on, but he obviously got the wrong idea. Marlena encourages that she can’t blame herself when they went through an extreme event. Stephanie admits that she leaned on Jeremy as a friend but didn’t realize his old feelings started to come back and he kissed her. Marlena asks how she felt about that. Stephanie responds that she was shocked, angry, and maybe a little guilty, but she made it very clear to him that they would never be together again. Stephanie recalls when they were together, Jeremy was manipulative and abusive. Stephanie says she got out just in time, but in some ways, maybe she never did because it was the beginning of a cycle of choosing guys who took advantage of her and were abusive again and again. Marlena repeats that she can’t blame herself for what Jeremy did as she’s only responsible for her own actions. Stephanie responds that she knows that but it’s her own actions that she’s worried about.

At the hospital, Brady tells Sarah that he came to tell Marlena she can visit Rachel again but complains that Xander has put up every roadblock in front of his plan to bring Marlena in to Basic Black and that he’s just doing it to hurt him. Brady thinks the best thing they can do is just be very happy like they are. Brady thanks Sarah for being the calm in the storm. Sarah responds that she’s really grateful to have him too. They go to kiss but Brady gets interrupted by a call from Steve. Brady informs Sarah that the test results came in from the lab on Holly’s tainted supplement bottle and Sophia’s prints are all over it.

Jada tells Shawn that he forgot to mention that Kayla told him to take it easy. Brady comes in and says he has a police matter to talk about. Brady informs them that a couple weeks ago, Tate noticed Holly was acting irrationally and it was found out that the supplements she was taking were switched with anti-psychotic meds. Jada questions why he didn’t report it. Brady explains that Rachel and Sophia were prescribed the same meds but Rachel told her it was Sophia, though they had no proof. Brady informs them that they now have Sophia’s fingerprints all over the bottle and asks if that’s enough for an arrest. Jada responds that it isn’t, but she can bring Sophia in for questioning. Jada gets call and says she has to take it, but when she gets back, they will deal with Sophia.

Marlena asks what has Stephanie worried. Stephanie says it’s her relationship with Alex as even before Joy and the baby, things were strained. Stephanie says Alex has been supportive and doing everything he can think of to protect her, but it doesn’t make her feel safe, it makes her feel smothered and controlled. Stephanie knows Alex’s heart is in the right place, but after what happened with Owen Kent and her previous relationships, she never wants to feel like someone else has control over her. Marlena understands Steve got her a gun and is teaching her how to use it safely. Stephanie mentions also looking in to self-defense classes. Stephanie says she’s trying really hard to heal but doesn’t know if it’s enough. Marlena thinks she could give herself credit for how hard she’s working at this and how much progress she’s made. Marlena asks if she still feels like she’s falling apart. Stephanie responds that she doesn’t right this second, but she is worried that she and Alex might be.

Chanel tries calling Johnny again.

Johnny struggles with being tied up. Sophia tells him not to bother trying to get out because she’s very good at everything she does. Sophia talks about getting accepted to the University of Chicago and having her whole future mapped out. Johnny’s phone rings, so Sophia asks if she should let him say goodbye to his wife one last time. Johnny pleads with her to let him talk to Chanel, but Sophia says Chanel is carrying a baby and doesn’t need that kind of stress. Johnny asks what if Chanel and Trey come home, arguing that she doesn’t want to hurt her son. Sophia reveals that she picked today because she knew Chanel took Trey to the aquarium and wouldn’t be home all day. Johnny questions how she knew that. Johnny argues that Sophia’s life doesn’t have to be over and insists that she can still be part of Trey’s life and watch him grow up. Sophia remarks that the gas is getting stronger, so she better leave before the fumes get to her. Sophia says goodbye to Johnny and goes to leave but stops when she sees a photo of Trey. Johnny pleads with her not to do this. Sophia takes the photo of Trey and exits the apartment, leaving Johnny screaming in frustration.

At the hospital, Kayla asks Sarah if everything is alright. Sarah says it’s just a patient she’s worried about. Sarah goes over the issues, so Kayla guesses it’s Chanel and asks about the mammogram. Sarah says it was inconclusive so they ordered a second round. Kayla asks what her gut feeling is. Sarah admits she doesn’t have a good feeling and asks how much more Chanel and Johnny could possibly go through..

Johnny continues to struggle with being tied up and looks over at a photo of he and Chanel with Trey. Johnny screams that he will not leave his family until Chanel bursts in.

Sophia goes home and breaks down crying over the photo of Trey, saying that she’s sorry.

Brady tells Shawn about Sophia drugging Holly. Shawn asks if it was payback over Tate. Brady says she was just angry and doesn’t think Bayview did her any good since she was off her meds. Shawn hopes she gets the help she needs. Brady says he just wants this wrapped up as soon as possible. Shawn asks if the rumors are true that Brady is putting the Black back in Black Patch and says that Hope and Bo are looking forward to working with him. Brady is unsure about them having to train a newbie. Shawn points out that he had the best role model. Brady hopes he’s half the detective that John was. Shawn knows John would love this and be so proud. Brady calls it a lot to live up to which Shawn relates to.

Stephanie tells Marlena that it’s not like Alex cheated on her and they weren’t even together when he was with Joy, but the topic of babies has been a point of contention between them. Stephanie says that almost losing her made Alex want to start a family while she had the opposite reaction because she saw how dangerous the world can be. Stephanie questions how she can be present for a child. Stephanie talks about feeling like she’s letting Alex down. Marlena encourages that’s not what this is. Stephanie asks what if Alex decides that raising a kid is so important to him that he’d rather be with the person who already gave him one. Marlena asks about the nature of Alex and Joy’s relationship before she left Salem. Stephanie explains that they were friends and had no bitterness or resentment after the pregnancy scare. Marlena feels there were no unrealistic expectations about a relationship then. Stephanie knows Alex loves her and has been saying all the right things about facing this together, so she has no reason to believe that’s not true. Stephanie knows this will sound selfish or unkind, but this isn’t what she signed up for. Stephanie states that she’s barely keeping her head above water which is why she doesn’t feel equipped to deal with another woman’s child.

Sarah goes back to check on Chanel but finds she’s gone from the hospital.

Johnny yells at Chanel to get out but Chanel refuses to leave him.

Jada tells Brady and Shawn that she is heading to Sophia’s. Shawn offers backup but Jada says Kayla won’t sign off on that. Brady wants to come along so he can give her more information on the case but Jada points out that he’s not a cop. Brady points out that Sophia messed with both of his kids which Jada feels is more of a reason not to. Brady promises not to get in the way and says he has a rapport with Sophia and her mom Amy. Brady says he just wants to see Sophia stopped before she hurts anyone else.

Sophia looks back at her social media post and then the photo of Trey. Sophia then reveals that she wrote a letter saying she’s sorry of hurting and begging for forgiveness as all she wanted was to move forward to be loved and understood but it’s clear she was never going to get that. Sophia writes that Holly Jonas said she was dead to her, so as her former BFF, she’s going to make her dream a reality.

Johnny tells Chanel to get out because the place is going to blow. Johnny instructs Chanel to blow out the candle but the cup of liquid next to it catches on fire, causing an explosion.

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Days Update Wednesday, April 29, 2026

Days of Our Lives Update

 

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Update written by Joseph

At the Horton house, Lani complains to Julie that she thought taking the kids to the aquarium would be a slam dunk but Carver is afraid of sharks. Lani apologizes to Julie, saying she knows it’s a lot having them here while Julie says she loves having the house full of life and people she loves.

Chanel gets ready to go to the aquarium while Johnny talks about having to work and wishes he could go with them but he’s glad they get to spend time with Lani and the twins. They agree next time there will be no excuses as they kiss.

At the DiMera Mansion, Kristen is on the phone with Dr. Gregory, saying it’s killing her to see Rachel like this and argues that she’d be better off at home. EJ walks in as Kristen finishes the call and asks if she’s alright. Kristen tells him not to insult her by pretending he cares.

Sophia sits in her room, reading all the hateful comments on social media about her with tears in her eyes.

Alex goes to the hospital and asks Sarah if she can do him a big favor by helping him order a paternity test.

In the park, Stephanie informs Jeremy that Alex told her that he just found out that he has a baby. Jeremy pretends to be surprised as Stephanie says that the mother is someone they thought was out of their lives forever, but she just dropped this on him and now she doesn’t know if they are strong enough to handle this. Jeremy tells Stephanie that he’s so sorry and hugs her as she cries. Jeremy encourages that she is strong enough to get through this and that he’ll be there for her no matter what. Jeremy then kisses Stephanie.

Lani tells Julie that she’s meeting Chanel in the town square before they head to Chicago. Julie asks for a ride to her book store which Lani agrees to. Julie brings up having a Baby Shark pop up book and suggesting it could help Carver not find the sharks so scary. Lani says that sounds amazing and thanks her. Julie believes any problem can be improved by reading the correct book. Julie wants Lani and Chanel to have a perfect day.

Chanel tells Johnny that she feels like today will be a perfect test run for when they have two kids of their own. Johnny asks if she heard back about her radiology appointment. Chanel gets upset and questions him really bringing that up right now.

Alex explains to Sarah that the paternity test is on Joy Wesley’s baby to determine whether he’s the father and that he brought the samples. Sarah responds that she’s glad Joy finally told him, surprising Alex as he questions if Sarah knew.

Stephanie pulls away from Jeremy and questions what the hell he’s doing.

Sophia complains out loud that the people on social media don’t know her or what she’s been through as she’s not an evil person, until Kristen shows up at her door. Sophia tells her that she shouldn’t be there and asks what she wants. Kristen tells Sophia that it’s time to take out Johnny and presents her with a gun, instructing her to toss it in to the Salem river when she’s done. Kristen reminds Sophia that Johnny is working from home today while Chanel is out with the baby. Sophia tells Kristen no and that she can’t. Sophia complains that the kids at school are calling her a psycho monster and if she does this, that makes them right and she’s not that person, so she will not kill Johnny.

Johnny tells Chanel that he didn’t mean to upset her. Chanel argues that they talked about him constantly bringing up problems and worries. Johnny says it was just on his mind. Chanel promises to let him know as soon as the appointment is set. They say they love each other as Chanel admit she couldn’t go through any of this without him. Johnny tells her that she, Trey, and their baby are his everything. Chanel says she’ll let him get back to work. Johnny suggests ordering in tonight as he wants to spend the entire evening showing her how much she is loved.

Alex remembers that Sarah was Joy’s doctor and gave her the pregnancy test that Joy said was negative. Sarah says she never got to go over the results with her as Joy had already left Salem. Alex asks if she never spoke to her again. Sarah says she did call her in New York but Joy said she hadn’t decided what to do about the pregnancy. Sarah apologizes for being unable to tell him due to doctor-patient confidentiality. Alex informs her that Joy had a baby girl named Kelsey and calls it complicated but good.

Jeremy apologizes to Stephanie as she reminds him that she is married to Alex and no matter what is happening between them, she loves him. Stephanie tells Jeremy that she’ll always be grateful for him being there for her when they were kidnapped and rescued, but says she needs to be clear that nothing can ever happen between them. Jeremy thanks her for being honest. Stephanie responds that even if she wasn’t married, after the way it was when they were together and how he treated her, there is no way she would ever be with him again.

Alex tells Sarah that he’s told Stephanie but wishes he knew all along. Sarah says when she spoke to Joy, she sensed that she knew Alex was in love with Stephanie and didn’t want to stand in the way of that. Alex argues that it wasn’t Joy’s decision to make.

Stephanie admits that it was a mistake to lean on Jeremy the way she did as she knows he wanted to help but she let the lines get blurry. Jeremy tells her that she didn’t do anything wrong. Stephanie tells Jeremy that she can handle the situation with Alex and Joy on her own, pointing out that Jeremy wasn’t even in Salem when they were together. Jeremy says that doesn’t mean he can’t relate. Stephanie calls it a lot to have Joy show up on the heels of what happened to them. Stephanie then stops and comes to a realization.

EJ goes to see Johnny and asks if he has a minute as he has an update on the Titan lawsuit.

Kristen tells Sophia that she has no choice as she made a deal. Kristen reminds her that once Johnny’s gone, she can turn her attention to making Holly suffer and then her revenge will be complete and she can disappear to start fresh with a new name, new life, and be happy again. Kristen encourages her that Johnny took everything from her and destroyed her mental health while now she has a chance to get all of that back. Kristen adds that it won’t happen without her since she’d be the one funding her new life, so she won’t get that if she doesn’t do what she asks.

Chanel brings Trey to meet Lani in the town square. Lani says she will go get Jules and Carver from the book store. Chanel then gets a call and ends up telling Lani that she can’t go to Chicago, so Lani questions what is going on.

Jeremy asks Stephanie what’s wrong. Stephanie brings up that Joy said she heard from a mutual friend that Alex couldn’t wait to start a family and that’s why she came back to town. Stephanie adds that very few people knew Joy was pregnant or that she and Alex ever hooked up, but remembers that she did tell Jeremy. Stephanie brings up that Jeremy’s dad was dating Joy’s mom, so she guesses that Jeremy is the one who got Joy to come back to Salem.

Chanel tells Lani that she’s sorry to cancel. Lani understands she has to go for a mammogram. Chanel feels it’s not an emergency but Johnny was really worried. Chanel adds that Sarah said the lump is probably nothing. Chanel says she hasn’t told Paulina yet so she asks Lani not to say anything. Lani says she’s just happy she’s getting checked out. Lani says she’ll ask Julie to watch the twins for the afternoon so she can go with Chanel. Chanel says no because she doesn’t want to let them down. Lani says Carver was afraid anyway. Chanel insists on Lani taking Trey with them to the aquarium as it will make her happy to know he’s with his cousins. Lani points out that they could go any other day but Chanel insists, so Lani tells her to call if she needs anything. Lani says she’ll be praying for her and she loves her.

Johnny asks EJ about the update on the lawsuit. EJ informs him that he went around Xander and Kate to reach out to Justin directly. EJ explains that Justin wants to save Bonnie the humiliation of going to trial and becoming tabloid fodder. Johnny says that would be great and that he really appreciates EJ working on this and coming by to deliver the news. EJ adds that he hoped maybe to catch his grandson too but Johnny informs him that Chanel was taking Trey to the aquarium in Chicago. They agree on next time, so EJ goes to leave but Johnny suggests tomorrow they could take Trey out for lunch before Stefano’s will reading. EJ says he would love that.

Sophia shows Kristen the social media posts and explains that she was fishing for Holly to say something negative about her so she could use it against her, but then everyone else started piling on and she doesn’t even know them but they all hate her. Kristen encourages that Johnny and Holly are the monsters. Kristen warns that if she stays in Salem, this hate will always be part of her life along with the shame and judgment, so she will feel this every time she walks out of her house. Sophia asks why Kristen stays if they make her feel that way. Kristen responds that it’s because of Rachel and she has unfinished business with EJ. Kristen says once she and EJ are even, maybe she’ll disappear too and leave Salem with Rachel. Kristen tells Sophia that she’s sorry that EJ tried to scare her this morning but says those threats are just the beginning and she’ll never be free. Kristen declares that EJ deserves to feel real loss and unrelenting pain, then he’ll understand along with Holly and Johnny. Kristen lays the gun next to Sophia and tells her not to squander this golden opportunity. Kristen calls it one last mission and then she can live her beautiful new life as she then exits the room, leaving Sophia conflicted.

Sarah tells Alex that she once made a similar decision to Joy’s. Alex understands Sarah was protecting Victoria by keeping her from Xander while Sarah says she regrets doing so and it sounds like Joy feels the same way. Sarah asks if Alex has any reason to believe the child isn’t his. Alex admits he doesn’t and is just covering his bases. Sarah thinks it’s smart to make sure before making any decisions. Alex says they will just deal with whatever comes next.

Jeremy tells Stephanie that he won’t try to deny it or throw someone else under the bus because he’s spent too much time trying to convince the town he’s not that guy anymore. Stephanie asks if that means he’s admitting what he did. Jeremy confirms that once he found out Alex was the father of Joy’s baby, he encouraged her to come back to town and tell the truth. Stephanie argues that he knew it would turn her and Alex’s life upside down and he even acted surprised that Joy was in town. Jeremy argues that he was trying to help because Alex deserved to know he had a daughter while Joy was struggling to raise the child on her own. Jeremy adds that he saw how stressed Stephanie was about Alex wanting a child, so he thought maybe if he found out he already had one, it would take the pressure off. Stephanie continues to question him while Jeremy apologizes and says he was just trying to be there for her. Stephanie tells him that she doesn’t want that anymore. Stephanie says she’ll always be thankful that he showed up when she needed him to, but that is where it ends. Stephanie declares that she doesn’t want Jeremy in her life anymore in any way. Jeremy says he understands and says goodbye to Stephanie as he then walks away.

Kristen goes home to the DiMera Mansion and tells EJ to pour her a drink. EJ comments that she seems to be in better spirits. Kristen says he does too. EJ says he just spent some time with Johnny and that he invited him to spend time with Trey before the will reading. Kristen congratulates him and remarks that it sounds like things couldn’t be better.

Stephanie sits in the park and calls Kayla to ask if she has a minute because she needs her mom right now.

Jeremy goes home where Julie asks if something is wrong. Jeremy informs her that he did something that he believed was helpful but he’s starting to realize he didn’t do it for the right reasons. Julie says she doesn’t know what he did but she’s sorry he’s upset. Jeremy talks about trying to figure out his next chapter on if he should stay in Salem or go somewhere else. Julie asks if he’s made a final decision.

Alex goes to the hospital and runs in to Chanel. Alex says he’s just there for routine tests and asks Chanel if everything is good with the baby. Chanel says it is so Alex walks away. Sarah then comes over and tells Chanel that she’s glad radiology could fit her in today and asks if Johnny will be joining them. Chanel admits she hasn’t called him yet and asks if he should be there. Sarah thinks he would want to be. Chanel says Johnny is slammed with work so she didn’t want to worry him. Sarah understands and agrees to respect her decision as her doctor, but still thinks Johnny would like to make that decision himself, so Chanel decides to pull out her phone.

Sophia shows up at Johnny’s door.

Chanel tells Sarah that Johnny isn’t answering his phone. Sarah offers to call someone for her but Chanel says it will be fine and just wants to get it over with. Sarah sends Chanel to get changed and says she’ll walk her down to radiology when she’s ready.

Jeremy tells Julie that he doesn’t know anymore because it feels like no matter what he does, he just makes things worse. Julie says that’s because he leads with his heart like she always has and sometimes just spin out of control. Julie says that’s when he needs to focus on what really matters and makes him happy. Jeremy asks what if he can never have what makes him happy. Julie suggests maybe it’s time to forget what’s impossible and open himself up to something new that might be wonderful and worthy of the good person he is.

Stephanie goes home to Alex and says she just needed some air but ended up running in to Jeremy. Stephanie informs Alex that Jeremy is the one who brought Joy back to Salem and encouraged her to tell him the truth about the baby. Alex asks why the hell he would do that. Stephanie says it doesn’t matter because Alex deserved to know, so even though she’s upset, it isn’t Jeremy or Joy’s fault and certainly not Alex’s fault. Alex informs her that they are doing the DNA test as they speak. Stephanie states that if Alex is a match, this is going to change their whole lives. Alex responds that the one thing that doesn’t change is how much he loves her. Stephanie assures that she loves him too. Alex says they will get through this and be okay as long as they hold onto each other as they hug.

Jeremy tells Julie that he loves being here with her and the family, but he doesn’t think he’ll get the fresh start he needs in Salem, so he doesn’t think this is where his future is right now. Julie asks if he’ll go back to New York then. Jeremy thinks that’s where he needs to be and hopefully find some peace to see what’s next. Julie cries that she will miss him and that she’s so proud of him. Jeremy thanks her for never losing faith in him and making him feel like a true Horton. Julie encourages that he is a Horton and he’ll always have a home here as they hug.

EJ hopes Kristen still plans to be at the will reading tomorow. Kristen says she wouldn’t miss it. EJ is relieved the day has finally come to put Stefano to rest and move forward with their family. EJ asks how Kristen is feeling. Kristen responds that she feels tomorrow will be a day none of them will ever forget. Kristen states that Stefano used to say make the most of today because tomorrow isn’t guaranteed.

Johnny tells Sophia that it’s not a good time and he has nothing to say to her. Sophia responds that she doesn’t really care because she has a lot to say to him. Sophia then sprays Johnny in the eyes and knocks him out.

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Days Short Recap Tuesday, May 19, 2026

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Recap written by Michele and Cheryl

Gabi and Theo talked about what was going on with Lexie. He said he was worried about his father. Theo said no matter what Abe decided, someone was going to be hurt. While they were talking, Gabi told Theo about Tony offering her the CEO position. Theo said she would be a good choice. Gabi said she turned down the job. Philip showed up and kissed Gabi. Theo was upset about it. Philip noticed Theo’s reaction. Gabi said Theo talked to her about Lexie. Kayla talked to Lexie about what was going on in Salem. While they were talking, Lexie asked Kayla about Paulina. She told Kayla about the things she heard about Paulina. Lexie said Paulina was a terrible person. She told Kayla that she felt like she woke up from a nap. Lexie said she loved Abe. When Lexie said she hated Paulina, Kayla said good things about her. She suggested that Lexie talk to Abe about what was next. Lexie said she would do that, but she had to talk to Paulina first.

Abe went to see EJ to thank him. He told EJ that despite his selfish reasons, he loved Lexie and was grateful that she was back. Abe said he appreciated him getting Theo to quit DiMera, but he didn’t trust him. He told EJ to stay away from Lexie and Theo. Abe ripped into EJ for enjoying the pain Paulina was in. EJ brought up Paulina being kicked to the curb. Abe didn’t confirm that she was getting kicked out. He said Lexie was his great love, but he and Paulina built a life together. EJ wondered how long that would last. Alex told Stephanie that he met with Joy. He said he wouldn’t take custody of Kelsey without talking to her. Alex said he wanted her to get together with Kelsey. She said it would have to wait until after Tripp and Wendy’s wedding. Stephanie asked if he wanted to go with her after everything that was going on. She suggested he bond with the baby. Stephanie said she was trying. They decided to spend time together before they parted ways. Kayla told EJ that the board was filing a complaint with the state medical regulatory and licensing agency over his activities. Lexie told Abe that she wanted to meet Paulina. Abe agreed to let her meet Paulina.

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Days Short Recap Wednesday, May 20, 2026

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Recap written by Michele and Cheryl

Amy arrived at the memorial where Sophia “jumped.” She read the cards that Arianna and Tate gave her. Sarah arrived at the bridge with flowers. Amy told her that she ends up there all the time. She refused to believe that Sophia was gone and blamed Holly for what happened. Sarah said that Holly regretted what happened to Sophia. She talked about losing her child and how she blamed herself for everything. Sarah hoped that Amy could forgive Holly. Amy refused to forgive Holly. She wanted justice for what happened to Sophia. EJ met with Cat at Small Bar. He thought that he could lose his job, and the hospital would close down. EJ didn’t see why they didn’t understand that his drug would help millions of people. He knew that he would make millions for the drug. Cat wondered if he was doing things legitimately. She asked him about Sydney. He said that she was wonderful and that she would be there once she’s done with school.

Arianna and Holly met at the pub. They talked about the end of the school year. Holly felt off since she was drugged. They couldn’t stop thinking about Sophia. Holly didn’t have any remorse for what she said about Sophia and that it wasn’t her fault that she died. She got upset when Arianna suggested she talk to someone about her feelings. Holly changed the subject to talk about her and Liam. Liam met with Gabi at the Kiriakis mansion to talk about business. Gabi offered him $150,000 to leave Salem. She wanted him to leave Salem with his son. He explained why it would be hard for him to leave town. Gabi would come up with a way to make it work for him.

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Days Short Recap Monday, May 18, 2026

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Recap written by Michele and Cheryl

Kristen wanted Xander to kill EJ. Xander couldn’t believe she was serious. She was willing to offer him a lot of money to get rid of EJ. Xander refused to do what she wanted. She thought he was going soft. Kristen told him that he didn’t have to physically kill EJ. He could hire someone to do it. Kristen kissed him. Things got hot and heavy with each other. Chanel winced in pain when Paulina walked into the room. She lied to her mother and said she was fine. They talked about Lexie. Paulina said that her family was the only thing keeping her from falling apart. She let Chanel know that Theo and Abe have been at Lexie’s bedside so she didn’t know what was going to happen with her marriage. Later Chanel and Lani talked. Lani felt like she should tell their mother what was going on with her regardless of what happened with Lexie. Stephanie arrived at home and wanted to talk to Alex about kids. She admitted that she wasn’t ready to be a stepmother. He wasn’t happy about what she said. They got into an argument about it because he didn’t know what she wanted him to do about Kelsey. Stephanie got a reminder that she had a shooting lesson so she walked out of the apartment. Alex received a text from Joy about legal matters concerning the baby. He jumped at the chance to meet with Joy at the park. Alex and Joy met at the park. He wanted Stephanie to meet Kelsey. Joy shocked him when she told him that Stephanie met her and wasn’t thrilled about it.

Gwen talked to Leo about what happened with Xander and EJ. Leo didn’t want her to think he was getting a scoop from her. He wanted to be her friend. They went back to the Salem Inn and ran into Kristen. Kristen’s hair was messed up. Gwen and Kristen didn’t realize that they were sleeping with the same person. Stephanie went to the shooting range with Brady. She talked to him about Alex and the baby. Stephanie hoped that she would learn to love Kelsey. Alex wanted Joy to bring Kelsey to the apartment so Stephanie could officially meet her.

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Days Update Tuesday, April 28, 2026

Days of Our Lives Update

 

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Update written by Joseph

Marlena runs in to Chad in the town square and says she heard he was back in town and hopes they had a good trip. Chad says they did and mentions being sad to hear that Rachel was sent back to Bayview. Marlena says it’s been difficult but she thinks that she will get the help she needs. Chad asks if Thomas would be able to visit Rachel. Marlena thinks Rachel would like that but says she’s not the one to ask, since Kristen has banned her rom seeing Rachel.

Cat joins EJ at the DiMera Mansion and asks what happened in probate court. EJ responds that Stefano still managed to mess with him from beyond the grave as he reveals that Stefano removed him as the executor of the estate and put Theo in charge. Cat questions why. EJ wishes he knew.

Abe and Theo have breakfast at the Brady Pub. Abe says it’s nice to spend time together. Abe asks what’s next now that he stepped down from DiMera. Theo remarks that it didn’t take him long to ask about that, but says he’s still not sure. Theo adds that he’ll be busy for awhile which Abe questions. Theo then reveals that he was named the executor of Stefano’s estate.

Alex reveals to Stephanie that he’s pretty sure he just found out he has a daughter, shocking Stephanie. Alex notes that it’s not definite, but it is very probable. Alex says he just found out and is still trying to process it, but they will have a DNA test done to be sure. Alex reminds her how Joy told them that she wasn’t pregnant before she left Salem, but it turned out that she lied.

At the bar, Jeremy tells Joy that he knew it would go well with Alex. Joy admits that when Jeremy said he’d be happy to have a kid, she wasn’t sure she believed him but when she put Kelsey in Alex’s arms, he just melted and now she’s really happy that she came back to Salem.

Theo informs Abe that it turns out Stefano named him as the executor. Abe asks if he has any idea why. Theo says none and he doesn’t think EJ knew either as he didn’t seem happy about being replaced. Abe points out that Theo could say no as he’s certain EJ would be happy to have the job back. Theo notes that’s not what the will specified and questions saying no to Stefano DiMera.

Cat assumes this changes things as far as her planning the will reading since maybe Theo will want someone to take care of it. EJ tells her to handle everything as is and there are specific instructions from the original will that remain, like the contents remaining strictly under wraps until the reading. EJ adds that he did learn from Theo that Marlena has been added to the list of beneficiaries. Cat says she’ll send her an invitation but EJ says that he told Theo he would inform Marlena himself.

Chad questions Kristen banning Marlena from seeing Rachel when she is her grandmother and Rachel needs her in her life. Chad is sure that Kristen is just lashing out and says he’ll talk to her to get her to a reason. Marlena says that’s kind of him but Brady is already working on it, so she doesn’t think it will hold. Chad is sorry she’s having to deal with this, on behalf of his entire family. Marlena says the problem is with Kristen while the rest of the DiMera family has been lovely, including Chad, Johnny, Sydney, and of course Lexie which makes her emotional so Chad asks if she’s alright.

Stephanie questions how they know Joy isn’t lying now. Alex says that’s why they are going to do a paternity test. Stephanie questions how he even found out. Alex explains that Joy told him and came by with the baby. Alex says he asked her a ton of questions and she said that since he was relieved that her pregnancy test was negative, she thought he wouldn’t want to know. Stephanie questions why Joy told him all of this now. Alex says that Joy said she heard he was talking about wanting to have kids, so she thought maybe she was wrong and he’d want to know his daughter. Stephanie then questions who told Joy that Alex wanted to have kids…

Jeremy tells Joy that he’s glad she came back to Salem too. Joy admits she was totally shocked when he called her. Jeremy says when he was in New York over Thanksgiving, his father told him that Nancy Wesley’s daughter had a baby but wouldn’t say who the father was. Joy notes that he figured it out pretty quickly. Jeremy says that’s only because Stephanie mentioned Alex thinking he got her pregnant. Joy explains how nobody knew. Jeremy says the question is why keep it all secret.

Abe reminds Theo that Stefano is dead, so he no longer has to please him, and asks him to please EJ instead. Theo argues that there’s more people involved than just EJ like Chad, Kristen, and Tony who is already ticked at him for stepping down at DiMera. Abe encourages that he’s out and free now. Theo says that DiMera is still his family and by extension, Abe’s. Theo brings up that Cat told him that Abe hasn’t responded about attending the reading of the will. Abe admits he’d rather be anyone else but declares that he will go to claim Lexie’s inheritance for Theo. Abe knows he’s not supposed to talk about whether or not Stefano had favorites, but says if he did, it would be Lexie as she was his golden child. Abe declares that Lexie’s mother Celeste was the only woman Stefano truly loved. Theo says besides Marlena. Abe says that’s true, but Stefano and Marlena never had a child together..

Marlena tells Chad that she’s fine and was just thinking about all that their families have been through over the years. Chad says it’s been a lot and not all of it good, noting that she must have hated Stefano. Marlena admits at times, she did but talks about Stefano being a big part of her history. Marlena then gets a text from EJ that he wants to see her at the DiMera Mansion. Marlena tells Chad it was nice running in to him. Chad says to tell Belle that he hopes to see her soon as Marlena walks away.

EJ tells Cat that they are all set and Marlena is on her way. Cat looks at the portrait of Stefano and comments that he really does loom large over the house. Cat asks if EJ is okay. EJ asks if there’s a reason he wouldn’t be. Cat imagines it must be hurtful that Stefano replaced him as executor of the will. EJ says no more than the countless other times that he expressed his disapproval. Cat asks if there’s anything else she can do for him. EJ asks Cat to get him out of the house. Cat reminds him that Marlena is coming over. EJ says he should’ve gone elsewhere to meet her. Cat questions his hurry to escape. EJ remarks that the house suddenly seems a lot smaller since Kristen moved in, but decides he should stay for the moment. EJ asks if Cat is free for dinner. Cat says she can make that work, so EJ says he’ll text her the time and place as he thanks her.

Alex tells Stephanie that he doesn’t know who Joy is still in touch with. Stephanie remarks that it’s apparently all the people he told that he couldn’t wait to start a family. Stephanie questions Joy not calling or texting to verify it was true and just showing up at the door. Stephanie argues that Joy ambushed him with a baby. Alex says that Joy didn’t tell him because she didn’t want to come between them. Stephanie mocks her being selfless. Alex is sorry because of all Stephanie has been going through and he knows this is the last thing she needs right now while Stephanie remarks that Alex got exactly what he wanted.

Joy tells Jeremy that there’s no deep dark reason that she didn’t tell anyone that Alex was the father and that it was mainly her mother, because Nancy would’ve made it her life’s mission to get her to rope Alex in to marriage or some other obligation because once she found out it was a Kiriakis baby, she would’ve just seen dollar signs. Jeremy asks if that wouldn’t be a good thing, pointing out that Alex does have a responsibility to the child and it would make her life easier. Joy says he doesn’t know her mother, but admits it could’ve made things a little easier on the financial front. Joy feels the trade off wasn’t worth it as she didn’t want to deal with the drama and just wanted it to be her and Kelsey. Joy states that Jeremy convinced her that her daughter deserves to know her father and he deserves to know her. Jeremy knows she was doing the right thing by Alex and Stephanie when she left town. Joy points out that they are married now so she hopes it doesn’t cause any issues between them. Jeremy says he does too while Joy questions if he really means that.

Abe knows Theo wants to come through for his family. Theo assures that he already agreed to become the executor of Stefano’s will, so it’s too late to change his mind. Abe says it was good to hang out as they hug. Abe goes to leave as Chad arrives. Abe welcomes his back. Chad says to give Paulina his best as Abe exits. Chad and Theo hug as Chad joins his table. Theo asks about the trip. Chad says it was great as the kids had a blast and they spent time with Will and Sonny. Chad asks how Theo is doing as he heard he stepped down as CEO of DiMera which is huge. Chad asks what happened. Theo claims he just didn’t want to do it anymore after his injury. Chad asks if somebody helped him come to that decision, like EJ.

Marlena goes to the DiMera Mansion to meet EJ as Cat says she was just on her way out and exits. Marlena questions if something is going on between EJ and Cat. EJ responds that there is.

Alex tells Stephanie this is not what he wanted, as he wants a child with Stephanie eventually when she’s ready. Alex says nothing means more to him than Stephanie’s happiness, but if this baby is his, he owes it to her to step up because it’s the right thing to do. Stephanie asks if that’s the only reason. Alex argues that the old Alex would’ve tossed Joy some cash to get out of town, but he’s not that guy anymore as he’s changed. Stephanie complains that she changed him and now he wants to be a family man. Stephanie sarcastically congratulates him on his dream coming true, then apologizes. Alex gets that she’s overwhelmed as it was the last thing they expected and the timing couldn’t be worse, but he can’t just walk away from this, repeating that he’s not that guy anymore. Stephanie asks about the baby and agrees that Alex has to be there for her. Stephanie talks about missing out on so much time with her dad growing up, so she doesn’t that for Alex or his daughter. Alex thanks her for understanding that if the baby is his, he has to be a father to his child, but he doesn’t want to hurt Stephanie.

Jeremy tells Joy that Stephanie has been through a lot lately. Joy points out that he has too. Joy says she read the paper and wasn’t sure he wanted to talk about it, but he can if he wants. Jeremy says what happened was horrible and much worse for Stephanie, but they are kind of scarred in the same way. Jeremy admits that Stephanie has been leaning on him emotionally because of that. Jeremy says Stephanie happened to mention the other day that Alex was pressuring her to start a family, so he thought maybe finding out he already had a kid would take the pressure off. Joy asks if that’s it since she’s heard about his history with Stephanie. Joy guesses that part of him had to be hoping that Stephanie would hear about the baby, then leave Alex and give him another shot. Jeremy feels part of Joy is hoping the same thing.

Theo questions Chad thinking EJ had anything to do with his decision. Chad says he never thought EJ wanted to let go of DiMera to run the hospital, but he could see him wanting to control both and he could pull that off by getting his son installed as CEO which would require sacrificing Theo. Chad asks if EJ forced Theo out. Theo says it may seem that way, but insists that it was his decision. Theo is sick of everyone asking him to explain himself and says it’s really putting him on edge. Chad apologizes for pushing. Theo says he’s sorry too. Chad admits he’s a little on edge himself because he now knows the real reason that EJ bought the hospital was for his little secret science experiments. Chad brings up the pod hidden behind the lab and that he thinks he knows who was in it.

EJ tells Marlena that there’s a lot going on with he and Cat with the hospital and the reading of Stefano’s will. Marlena says he makes it sound like it’s all business, pointing out that EJ dated both of her daughters. EJ calls Cat an employee. Marlena argues that he’s crossed lines before and brings up EJ bidding on Cat at the charity date auction last year, questioning if he’s had his eyes on her ever since. EJ brings up being a patient of Marlena’s before and wants to invoke doctor-patient confidentiality. EJ says that he and Cat have realized they both have memories and asks if Marlena can help him recall them.

Joy tells Jeremy that what she wants doesn’t really matter. Jeremy remarks that he wants Stephanie to be happy and that Alex is not up to the task. Joy says she would say Stephanie disagrees since they just tied the knot. Jeremy says that Stephanie told her she feels like a different person because what Owen did changed her. Joy feels she can deal with that with her husband while Jeremy argues that she can’t talk to Alex about it. Jeremy calls Alex a selfish ass and complains that he’s been pressuring someone who had just been kidnapped to have kids. Jeremy declares that Alex doesn’t know the first thing about how to deal with what Stephanie is feeling and how to be understanding and comforting. Joy asks if he does. Jeremy responds that Stephanie could do so much better and everyone knows it. Jeremy states that she deserves to be someone who can give her what she needs and treat her like the amazing person she is. Joy brings up knowing their history and a lot of people would say Jeremy didn’t treat her like the amazing person she is when they were together. Joy adds that she won’t trash Alex because he was always really good to her. Jeremy points out that’s until he dumped her for Stephanie while she was pregnant with his kid. Joy notes that Alex didn’t know that. Joy declares that her life is all about Kelsey now and she’s not here for love, money, or to trap Alex in to being with her. Joy says she just wants to give her daughter’s father the chance to get to know her and see what happens from there. Jeremy says he hopes it all works out and he can tell she’s a great mom. Joy calls her daughter the first good thing she’s done in her life and she’d like to keep it that way. Joy thanks Jeremy for the coffee and exits.

Stephanie knows Alex didn’t mean to get Joy pregnant, but points out they were sleeping together. Alex says that was when they were apart. Stephanie responds that now they may have a baby, so the reality is that Joy has given him what she’s not sure she ever can. Stephanie suggests maybe the universe was giving them a sign that she wasn’t ready to give him a baby because it wasn’t meant to be. Stephanie tells Alex that she just needs some time and hurries out of the apartment.

Chad tells Theo about his belief that Abigail was in the pod and talks about EJ denying it. Chad brings up Abigail’s grave being empty, Dr. Rolf being back on the scene, and EJ always having a thing for her as he questions who else it could be. Cat then enters the Pub and greets them. Cat says she’s glad she ran in to them because they have to talk.

Marlena tells EJ that she’s not sure she’s the best person to help him with their personal history. EJ points out that she’s helped him recover memories before. Marlena thinks she should recommend a different psychiatrist. EJ doesn’t see what their history has to do with this as he’s comfortable with her as his psychiatrist and doesn’t know if he would trust someone else, which is important to hypnosis. Marlena then agrees to do what she can, so EJ thanks her. Marlena asks if he called her here to book a session. EJ says there’s something else and he thought it would be best to do it in person. EJ then informs Marlena that she’s invited to Stefano’s will reading because she’s recently been added as a beneficiary.

Joy runs in to Alex in the town square. Alex says he was just coming to see her as he told Stephanie about Kelsey and she did not take it well, so they need to do the paternity test today.

Stephanie goes to the park and runs in to Jeremy. Jeremy asks if she’s okay. Stephanie responds that she’s not as she begins to cry.

Alex tells Joy that he wants to do the test right now. Joy asks if he think it will get him off the hook. Alex responds that he just wants to make sure that she is his, so Joy agrees to it.

Stephanie tells Jeremy that she’s sorry he has to see her every time she has a crisis. Jeremy says he’s always here when she needs him and asks why she’s so upset. Stephanie responds that today started out so well as she was finally feeling confident and strong and then Alex told her that he just found out that he has a baby. Jeremy pretends to be surprised as Stephanie says that the mother is someone they thought was out of their lives forever, but she just dropped this on him and now she doesn’t know if they are strong enough to handle this. Jeremy tells Stephanie that he’s so sorry and hugs her as she cries.

Chad questions Stefano naming Theo as the executor. Theo says he was just as surprised. Cat says she’s been working with EJ on planning the will reading and now Theo will have a much larger role, so she will keep him in on all the details. Cat tells Theo to let her know if there’s anything she needs. Cat says she could go get her food. Chad tells her it’s good to see her. Cat tells him the same as she walks away. Chad calls that awkward. Theo tells Chad that he knows he wants it to be true about Abigail, but he wouldn’t get his hopes up. Chad asks if he knows something he doesn’t. Theo says of course not, but if Abigail was in the pod, he thinks EJ would tell him. Chad points out that if not for the kidnapping at the hospital, they wouldn’t know about any of this so he doesn’t think he would tell him. Theo thinks EJ would tell him and give him time to prepare and make some decisions. Chad declares that if it was Abigail and that EJ lied to his face, that would destroy their relationship forever. Chad wants to believe Theo that EJ isn’t playing God with someone he loves, but admits he wouldn’t put anything past EJ.

Marlena tells EJ that she’s been a beneficiary in Stefano’s wills in the past, pointing out that in one she inherited a pillow that said “sleeping beauty in the woods” in French. Marlena declares that now that Stefano is dead and buried, he is no longer running rent free in her head so she will just send her regrets. EJ warns Marlena that depending on the terms, that could mean forfeiting her inheritance which Marlena blows off. EJ adds that until Marlena has closure, Stefano will always be running rent free in her head.

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Days Update Monday, April 27, 2026

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Update written by Joseph

Alex answers the door at home and is shocked to see Joy Wesley has returned to Salem. Alex asks what she’s doing there. Joy responds that she wanted to introduce him to someone as she reveals a baby.

Liam goes to the book store where Arianna greets him and asks if he’s looking for a book. Liam responds that he works there now and it’s his first day. Arianna remembers he had an interview with Julie and congratulates him on getting the job. Arianna guesses he’ll be seeing a lot of her for the next couple of days since she has finals coming up and this is her study spot. Liam abruptly says he’ll leave her to it and walks away, leaving Arianna disappointed.

Gabi goes to meet Philip at Titan. Philip presents her with their proposal to handle Gabi Chic’s international distribution. Gabi thanks him for putting it together so quickly. Philip hopes their offer is satisfactory. Gabi brings up Xander being on his way to Chicago for a meeting and wonders how far Philip will go to satisfy his client as she locks the door. Gabi says she has a few demands as they kiss.

Steve and Brady bring Stephanie to the shooting range and praise her first shot.

Joy introduces Alex to her daughter Kelsey. Alex is surprised and guesses a lot has changed in a little over a year. Joy then reveals to Alex that Kelsey is their daughter.

Steve finishes going over gun safety as Brady thanks them for letting him join and tells Stephanie that it’s really cool that she’s doing this. Stephanie tells Brady the same and says they are all really happy that he’s joining Black Patch. Brady thanks her and says he’s excited but nervous while Steve encourages this practice. Stephanie comments that she learns better when she’s competing against someone and suggests Steve keep score, so Brady accepts the challenge.

Sophia goes to the book store and greets Arianna, commenting on how long it’s been since she’s seen her. Arianna comments on Sophia getting her voice back. Sophia asks if Holly is there. Arianna says no, so Sophia asks if she knows where she is. Arianna asks if Sophia wants to drug her again. Sophia tries to deny that but Arianna cuts her off and tells her to stay the hell away from Holly.

Gabi and Philip begin to undress as they continue kissing in the Titan office. Philip clears off his desk and kisses Gabi onto the desk until someone knocks at the door. They ignore it so the person goes away and they resume kissing on the desk.

Alex questions Joy saying it’s their baby, pointing out that he and Stephanie were there when Joy got her pregnancy test results. Joy admits that she lied about the test being negative which Alex questions. Joy explains that Alex and Stephanie had just gotten back together, so she wasn’t going to be the loser standing in the way of their happiness. Alex questions her just pretending everything was okay and taking off. Joy argues that it wasn’t an easy decision as she went back and forth on whether or not to tell him. Joy adds that before she left, she almost confessed but she couldn’t help but think of how relieved he was when she told him it was a false alarm, so she assumed he didn’t want the baby. Joy says after growing up feeling like a kid that wasn’t wanted, she wasn’t going to do that to her baby. Alex argues that he hasn’t seen her or heard from her in over a year, then she shows up at his door and admits that she was dishonest about something huge. Alex declares that if she was okay being dishonest with him then, maybe she is now too. Alex asks how he knows for sure that the baby is his.

Brady impresses at the shooting range, then when Stephanie takes her turn, she starts having flashbacks to being tied up and storms out. Steve and Brady follow her out as Stephanie complains that she’s getting worse while Steve encourages that she’s still learning. Stephanie says she’s done but Steve advises her to visualize the target before pulling the trigger and convinces her to try again.

Philip jokes to Gabi that Xander should take meetings in Chicago more often. Gabi looks over his proposal as Philip says it’s the best they can do, but guesses it’s not good enough. Gabi admits DiMera would keep her costs lower. Philip explains that it really is the best Titan can afford and says he’s sorry as they really wanted to partner with Gabi on this. Gabi responds that she really wanted to partner with him too which is why she’s giving her contract to Titan, surprising Philip.

Sophia complains to Arianna that Holly would start a rumor that she drugged her and claims she was an easy target since she couldn’t talk. Arianna tells her to drop the act because she’s not fooling anyone. Sophia responds that she knows who her real friends are and they aren’t liars and fakes like Arianna and Holly. Arianna asks who that leaves, pointing out that she screwed Rachel over so she hates her now like everyone else. Arianna declares that Sophia has no friends and if she wants to know why, she can look in the mirror. Sophia complains that Arianna and Holly think they are so better than her when they were one broken condom away from being in her shoes too. Arianna argues that Sophia can’t keep blaming everything on her pregnancy and goes over how she tried to set up Johnny, lied about Tate being the father of her baby, and drugged Holly. Sophia argues that she went to a psychiatric ward for help and has only been out for two days, so she tells her to stop trying to send her back over the edge. Arianna asks if Sophia took her meds today or if she’s using them to poison someone else she’s jealous of. Sophia calls her a bitch and says she can’t believe she ever thought she was her friend.

Steve guides Stephanie as she tries the shooting range again. Stephanie has flashbacks of Owen as she then successfully shoots the target twice.

Liam comes over to Sophia and Arianna to ask if there’s a problem. Sophia says no but Arianna says yes. Liam tells Sophia that if she’s causing trouble, he’s going to have to ask her to leave. Sophia asks what about Arianna. Liam responds that he knows her and doesn’t think she’s the problem. Sophia decides she’ll go buy her books elsewhere then and exits. Arianna thanks Liam. Liam responds that he’s just doing his job.

Philip tells Gabi that he was sure she’d take the better offer. Gabi repeats that it’s not only about money to her. Gabi feels DiMera is only trying to undercut Titan which makes her think they wouldn’t be good business partners and this goes beyond that. Gabi tells Philip that she wants to work with him because she knows and trusts him. Philip doesn’t want her to feel like it’s because they are together. Gabi admits she could save a little money by going to DiMera but she doesn’t know what’s going on over there with Theo walking away and Johnny staying on. Philip asks if she doesn’t think Johnny can handle it. Gabi calls him a rookie who screwed up and is now facing a lawsuit. Gabi says she likes Johnny but she wants to partner with an experienced CEO who will have her back. Philip asks if she’s sure. Gabi assures that she is and declares that Titan needs this deal and she needs his help. Gabi adds that maybe she owes him.

Steve, Brady, and Stephanie go to the Brady Pub. Steve praises them for how they did at the shooting range. Stephanie comments that it helped to envision Owen as the target and remarks that part of her wishes she could put a bullet in him for real so she would know he’d never come back, but assures that she wouldn’t. Stephanie adds that she hopes she gets to testify against him. Steve notes that they are running a psych evaluation now to see if he’s fit for trial. Steve declares that Owen should’ve been locked up 17 years ago while Stephanie argues that Owen knew what he was doing and had a plan, but this time he got caught, so she’s going to make damn sure he faces justice.

Joy asks if Alex doesn’t believe her. Alex says he didn’t say that but this is a lot. Joy points out that she wasn’t with anyone else, but says they can still do a DNA test right away if he wants. Joy says she’s not forcing him to do anything as she and Kelsey are fine, so he should only take the test if he wants to be part of her life. Alex realizes that he missed the birth of his first child and questions why Joy came back now. Joy responds that she heard through mutual friends that he was telling people he couldn’t wait to start a family, so she thought maybe she misjudged the situation and he would want to get to know his daughter. Alex responds that he absolutely would. Joy assures Alex that she is his and asks if he’d like to hold her. Alex admits that he would.

Philip tells Gabi that she doesn’t owe him anything. Gabi says Philip has been there for her, so she wants to be there for him too. Philip says he’s been able to confide in her and share his feelings with her, but this is business. Gabi states that she made a business decision not to bring Gabi Chic back to Titan. Philip points out that she hated working for him and Xander. Gabi says things have changed, adding that she’d be working with them instead of for them. Gabi adds that she’s also living in the Kiriakis Mansion now. Gabi says they are in this together and she’s rooting for them. Philip assures that he’s thrilled and that she has no idea how much this means to him and Titan. Gabi offers to have the contracts drawn up but Philip says he’ll handle that and thanks her. Philip hopes he’s able to do something as meaningful for her soon. Gabi says he doesn’t have to but he wants to do whatever he can to bring her peace and happiness. Gabi feels the same but notes they do have to be careful because working with your significant other can be great but also can be dicey. Philip agrees it’s that way for other couples, but thinks it will be fantastic for them. Philip says he has to get to a meeting in the town square, so Gabi says she’ll see him at home later where they can celebrate their partnership. Philip says he’s looking forward to it as he exits.

Arianna hears Liam on the phone trying to answer a customer asking about a book being in stock, so she gets up and finds it for him. Liam thanks her as she asks about his first day on the job. Arianna mentions that she’ll be in the corner studying if he needs any more help. Liam wishes her luck with her tests and quickly walks away.

Steve asks Brady how the process of getting his private investigator license is going. Brady says they are waiting on his background check and feels he has a lot more to do and learn before considering himself Steve’s partner. Brady brings up Tate teaching martial arts and suggests lessons for self defense. Stephanie says to sign her up too. Steve loves her enthusiasm. Stephanie then reveals that Alex took her skydiving as a surprise this morning and she loved it. Steve talks about Stephanie being a licensed skydiver and praises her many talents. Steve tells the world to watch out and not mess with Stephanie K. Johnson.

Alex holds his daughter Kelsey for the first time.

Brady thanks Steve for the lesson and for brunch. Brady says he has a couple things to do today but he looks forward to their next training session as he exits the Pub. Steve comments that it sounds like Stephanie and Alex are doing better and he’s glad to hear that. Stephanie tells Steve that he doesn’t have to stick around as she knows he’s busy with Black Patch. Steve offers to hang around a little longer but Stephanie says she’s fine and talks about sleeping well for the first time. Stephanie says learning to fight back really helps. Steve tells her that he’s so proud of her as they hug. Steve reminds Stephanie to put the unloaded gun in the safe, away from the ammo, when she gets home which she claims she will do.

Alex asks Joy where they go from here. Joy says that’s up to him. Alex says he has to talk to Stephanie as they are married now. Joy says she noticed the ring and congratulates him. Joy adds that she still doesn’t want to come in between he and Stephanie. Alex tells her that he’s glad she came back and he’s really sorry she had to go through this alone. Joy says it’s not his fault as she wishes she told him from the beginning. Joy adds that she wasn’t alone since her mom was there at every appointment and in the delivery room. Joy says they should get going and tells Alex there’s no pressure with the DNA test. Joy says to just let her know as they are staying at the Salem Inn. Alex tells her to take care as Joy then exits with Kelsey.

Brady meets Philip in the town square and says the plan moving forward with Basic Black was to have Marlena move in to a leadership position with the help of Kate, but that hit a snag when Marlena found out that Johnny thinks Kate set him up with the lawsuit. Philip says he knew nothing about that. Brady says that Marlena wants to work there, just not with Kate because she doesn’t trust her anymore while Xander told Marlena that she needs to work with Kate or she can’t work there at all. Brady asks Philip to get Xander to back off. Sophia sits nearby and says she knows Holly and Arianna’s dorm has their own social media feed. She creates a user name called “LilyLovesLattes” so she can start posting. She makes a post on there, asking why everyone hates Sophia. She then remarks to herself that hopefully they will take the bait.

Arianna sees the post on social media and comments that Sophia is a conniving and lying witch. Gabi shows up at the book store and greets Arianna. Arianna comments that she’s trying to get some studying done but there are a lot of distractions there. Gabi talks about coming to shop and then sees Liam and says she can see what the distraction is. Gabi says she didn’t know he worked there and calls him over. Gabi then notices Liam’s name badge and brings up that he said his name was Gage, so she questions what is going on here. Arianna claims that Liam is his first name and he goes by his middle name but Gabi realizes she knows who he is and that he got shot after getting mixed up with the DiMera kidnappings which shocks Arianna but Liam swears he had nothing to do with. Gabi brings up Arianna having no idea who she was talking about when she referred to him as Gage before and realizes that Arianna lied to her and that Liam was hiding from the police. Gabi orders Liam to stay away from her daughter which he agrees to do.

Sophia reads all the social media comments about her, including Holly detailing how Sophia slipped her pills and calls her total trash which Sophia takes a screenshot of. At their table, Philip tells Brady that when it comes to business, he and Xander are a united front. Brady argues that they are talking about his late father’s company here. Philip says Titan is his late father’s company which he and Xander are desperately trying to keep afloat so this isn’t personal. Philip admits Kate isn’t the easiest person to work with but she founded Basic Black with John and knows the fashion business. Brady questions if he isn’t going to talk to Xander. Philip insists that Xander won’t budge on this. Philip tells Brady to tell Marlena to take the deal. Brady questions him expecting Marlena to work with someone she doesn’t trust. Philip points out that she could then retain control, otherwise Basic Black could be sold or fold which he would hate to see happen. Philip says that right now, everyone at Titan is making tough choices and he knows it’s not ideal, but if Brady wants to save his dad’s company, this is what he has to do.

Stephanie goes home to Alex and tells him that the shooting range was really fun as she’s getting the hang of it. Stephanie brings up how they went skydiving and kisses him. Stephanie reminds Alex of their other plans, then asks if he’s okay. Alex says she might want to sit down for this, so she does and asks what’s wrong. Alex then reveals that he’s pretty sure he just found out he has a daughter, shocking Stephanie.

Joy meets up with Jeremy and reveals that Jeremy was right, adding that Alex even wanted to hold the baby. Jeremy tells Joy that he told her he would.

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Days Short Recap Friday, May 15, 2026

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Recap written by Michele and Cheryl

EJ told Cat that he wanted to proceed with caution with Lexie. He said he couldn’t tell her about Lexie. Cat said she hoped it didn’t fall into the wrong hands. She said she trusted him but warned him not to make her regret it. EJ said he wouldn’t make her regret it. He said he regretted forgetting about their time together in the hospital and was working with Marlena to get his memories back. EJ said he wanted to know what happened and why they connected. Chad and Kristen talked about Lexie being alive. Kristen said the resurrection business should have ended with Stefano. Chad said he would do anything to have Abby back. Kristen said playing God was a mistake, but EJ was an arrogant jerk who didn’t learn that. She said he drove Rachel to shoot him. Kristen said it had to stop. She said she wasn’t EJ and couldn’t decide who could live or die. Later on, Chad met with Leo to talk about the story on Lexie. While they were talking, Leo let it slip that he was in the tunnels with Cat. Chad was shocked that Cat was in the tunnels and wondered why she was in there. When EJ walked in, Leo left. Cat went to Rafe to tell him that Leo suspected that she was ISA. She said she covered her tracks. Cat said EJ was trying to investigate their past in Italy. Rafe was worried that her life would be in danger if EJ found out she was ISA. Cat said she would be fine. They talked about what EJ was up to next. Xander met up with Kristen for an urgent discussion. Chad talked to EJ about t him being around Cat. EJ wondered if Cat was off limits to everyone else just because she was off limits to Chad. Chad warned EJ to stay away from Cat. Kristen told Xander that she wanted his help to bring EJ down. She wanted him to kill EJ.

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Days Short Recap Thursday, May 14, 2026

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Recap written by Michele and Cheryl

Gabi went to Rafe’s house and got into an argument with Arianna. They argued over the fact that Gabi was a helicopter parent. Arianna said Gabi always made everything about her. She reminded Gabi that she missed out on her childhood. Gabi said she went to prison for a crime she didn’t commit. While they were arguing, Liam came up. Arianna told her Liam was trying to better himself. Gabi told her that being with a guy you had to make better was a way to get your heart broken. Sophia’s parents met with Jada at the police station. Jada said the police moved past the search and rescue into search and recovery. She told them that the police wanted to focus on bringing Sophia back to lay to rest. Amy was upset and didn’t understand why the police weren’t doing much to find Sophia. She refused to believe that Sophia was gone. When Jason didn’t have faith that Sophia was alive, Amy ripped into him. Jason tried to convince Amy that Sophia was gone, but Amy refused to believe it. While Tate and Holly were together, Amy showed up and wondered if them kissing was how they were supposed to mourn the loss of a friend. Tate apologized to her. Amy believed him. She didn’t believe that Holly was sorry. Holly said she wasn’t sorry because now Sophia couldn’t hurt her again. Chanel picked Johnny up at the hospital. He wanted to be there for her biopsy. After the biopsy was over, Sarah told Chanel to distract herself while she waited for the results. Gabi and Arianna talked about Stefan’s death and the inheritance. They talked about Stefan and Sophia’s deaths. Amy was shocked at what Holly said. Holly wouldn’t back down. She said she refused to take the blame for Sophia’s choices. Tate tried to calm everyone down but it didn’t work. Amy vowed to send Holly to prison.

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Days Update Friday, April 24, 2026

Days of Our Lives Update

 

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Update written by Joseph

Alex wakes up and greets Stephanie in the living room. Alex informs her that he’s taking the day off from work to spend some time with her as they kiss. Stephanie points out that they are both free, so she asks what he wants to do. Alex responds that he had an idea to surprise her as they kiss.

Xander walks Victoria through the town square. Johnny comes by, having found that Victoria dropped her teddy bear and returns it. Johnny then informs Xander that he will not be settling the lawsuit. Xander says he’s heard and that he’s also heard Johnny’s being telling everyone around town that he and Kate set him up, commenting that it must be easier than admitting his own incompetence. Xander advises Johnny to cease and desist unless he wants to get hit with further litigation. Johnny questions Xander threatening him when he knows exactly what he and Kate did. Sarah walks up and asks what’s going on.

Marlena goes to the Brady Pub, where Brady invites her to join him and asks if everything is okay. Marlena responds that it’s not as she just came from Bayview to try and visit Rachel before her sessions began, but Kristen has barred her from seeing Rachel. Brady is shocked and says hell no.

EJ enters the living room of the DiMera Mansion and greets Kristen. EJ informs her that he is heading to probate court because he learned a codicil had been filed in regards to Stefano’s will by some overseas law firm. EJ says he’s not surprised since it had been years since it was drawn up. Kristen calls it an intriguing plot twist and asks if EJ is worried that Stefano cut him out of his will. EJ says no, but suggests Kristen should be worried.

Alex tells Stephanie that she seems to be doing better. Stephanie admits she slept better and they think it’s because of the gun Steve brought her. Stephanie says it helps her feel like she’s taking control of her life. Alex says now she has to learn how to use it and how not to use it. Alex asks if Steve brought a gun case and a safe. Stephanie confirms that he did and that he’s taking her to the shooting range later, so they’ll have to be back from Alex’s surprise plans before then as they kiss.

Xander tells Sarah that he and Johnny were just discussing business. Johnny says that discussion is now over and tells Sarah it was nice to see her as he walks away. Sarah questions Xander intimidating his competition in front of their daughter. Xander argues that Johnny isn’t meaningful competition and is just a figurehead for DiMera. Sarah points out that DiMera is thriving. Xander questions her being team Johnny. Sarah says she always has been and calls him a great guy, adding that Xander was team Johnny too until he decided to go toe to toe with him. Sarah points out that Johnny is happily married with a beautiful child and another on the way while CEO of his company and remarks that she would call him competition and say that Xander is jealous of him.

Brady tells Marlena that Kristen has no right to bar her from seeing Rachel as they share custody. Brady argues that Rachel needs all the love and support she can get. Marlena suggests giving Kristen a day or two to calm down so they don’t start another war. Brady responds that the war has already begun since Kristen stormed out of his apartment, saying she never wants to see his face again. Brady complains that Kristen puts everything in to her revenge tour instead of Rachel. Brady declares that Kristen is in for a surprise because he’s not going to let her stop Marlena from seeing Rachel and promises to take care of this.

Kristen tells EJ not to get too cocky. EJ says he doesn’t have time for this idiocy. Kristen complains about EJ wearing Stefano’s ring backwards. EJ argues that she’s just jealous that Dr. Rolf gave the ring to him instead of her. Kristen argues that all she wants is access to the entire family home, including the tunnels, so she wants those access codes. EJ argues that the tunnels are not safe. Kristen says they aren’t safe if someone finds out what’s going on down there. EJ tells her that she’s being ridiculous and suggests she worry about getting her own house in order. Kristen asks what the hell that’s supposed to mean. EJ tells her to focus on her daughter facing mental health challenges. Kristen calls him a bastard and argues that everything she does is for Rachel. EJ says they’ve all heard that story again and again, but Rachel is in a nuthouse so maybe it’s time to look in the mirror. Kristen then slaps EJ.

Alex surprises Stephanie by bringing her skydiving. Stephanie says she’s thrilled and talks about not going skydiving in years. Alex recalls doing it one time before a job interview. Dave the instructor comes in and greets them. Dave recognizes Stephanie from her picture in the paper and realizes that she’s Steve’s daughter. Dave talks about hiring Steve one time and calls him a hell of a private investigator. After he exits, Alex and Stephanie talk about nothing ruining their fun and how they can’t wait to skydive together. Alex declares they’ll have a lifetime of adventures to go as they kiss.

Marlena tells Brady that she doesn’t think running Basic Black with Kate is going to work out. Brady asks if it has to do with Johnny’s accusations against Kate and if she thinks Kate set him up. Marlena responds that she doesn’t know, but after hearing what Johnny said, her first thought was Kate wouldn’t do that but then she wasn’t sure. Marlena says she really wants Basic Black to go forward and that it needs to be run by members of John’s family. Marlena adds that if she can’t rely on Kate to run the business part, she’ll have to find someone else. Brady says he’s not part of the company anymore, but he can help and would be willing to do that until she finds someone more permanent. Marlena says that would be amazing and thanks him. Marlena says she’s so grateful that she will call Xander to accept the position.

Xander asks if Sarah is going to continue going on about Johnny and lecturing him or if she has questions about their daughter. Sarah asks Victoria if she’s having fun with her dad. Victoria responds that she’s having the best time. Xander says she slept through the night and when they woke up, they had breakfast together and remarks that she didn’t seem to miss her at all. Sarah responds that what they want is for Victoria to be comfortable with him and with her. Xander then walks away with Victoria.

Kristen warns EJ to keep her daughter’s name out of his mouth. EJ responds that violence is never the answer, but he realizes her suffering as a parent. Kristen argues that he has no idea what she’s feeling. EJ remarks that at least her daughter loves her while for a very long time, Johnny shunned him so he does know the pain of feeling like your child has lost you. Kristen mocks this as a performance while EJ says he was being sincere and apologizes for hurting her feelings. EJ says he does care about his niece and he’s sure she will be released from Bayview soon. Kristen asks if he’s spoken with her doctors. EJ says he’s just speculating, but one thing he’s very sure of is that if she ever lays another hand on him, he will not turn the other cheek. EJ warns Kristen that if she thinks what happened to her mom was bad, she does not want to go to war with him. EJ then storms out of the room. Kristen mutters telling him to bring it on.

Alex and Stephanie return from skydiving and talk about how amazing it was. Alex talks about his adrenaline while Stephanie says it was just what she needed. Alex suggests doing it again and says he loves her so much as they kiss.

Brady texts Kristen, questioning how dare she try to stop Marlena from visiting Rachel and warning that he’ll be happy to have the judge explain shared custody to her. Sarah arrives and apologizes for being late, saying that a run in with Xander made her blood boil. Brady asks what happened. Sarah complains that she walked up on Xander arguing with Johnny in front of their daughter and then had the nerve to say Victoria didn’t miss her. Brady relates to Kristen making him so angry he could punch a hole in the wall. Sarah asks if they should do something about it.

Marlena goes to see Xander at Titan and says she came to talk about joining Basic Black. Xander says he’s heard from Maggie and Kate that she was interested and he calls it a fantastic idea. Marlena informs him that after careful consideration, she’s decided she doesn’t want to work with Kate. Xander doesn’t understand and asks why not. Marlena responds that she has her reasons, but she does want to take the position and that Brady has agreed to consult so they will have him to help until they find someone to replace Kate. Xander questions Marlena deciding that and says he’s the one that decides, so the answer is no.

EJ confronts Sophia in the town square and questions what the hell she thinks she’s doing. Sophia responds that she’s reading a book. EJ questions her showing her face in town after her disruptive sideshow at Johnny and Chanel’s adoption. Sophia remarks that she’s surprised EJ still has a son after what he put them through during Johnny’s attempted murder trial, but guesses he’s back in their good graces after making sure they could raise her baby. EJ tells Sophia to do everyone a favor and get the hell out of Salem. Sophia asks if he’s going to make her disappear if she doesn’t. Sophia adds that she’s not scared of EJ. EJ warns that she doesn’t need to be scared for him to ruin her. Kristen interrupts and asks if EJ has nothing better to do than threaten an 18 year old girl. Kristen asks Sophia if EJ has upset her. Sophia says it’s okay but Kristen says it’s not. Kristen questions EJ intimidating Sophia while she was minding her own business. EJ asks what business it is of Kristen’s. Kristen responds that she knows Sophia well since she and Rachel became friends in Bayview which EJ mocks. Kristen states that when Rachel was in a tough spot, Sophia had her back and helped her out which is a foreign concept to EJ. Kristen warns EJ to stay away from Sophia. EJ reminds Kristen that he won’t be turning another cheek this time while Kristen warns him not to push her. EJ says he doesn’t need to push her as he’ll just stand back and wait for the collapse that always comes. EJ warns Sophia that this is far from over as he walks away. Sophia then remarks to Kristen that EJ is a little bitch which Kristen agrees with.

Sarah brings Brady to the rage room that he brought her too before to unleash her anger, saying she feels like they could both use it today.

Alex and Stephanie ask Dave to go skydiving again, so he goes to check the schedule. Stephanie talks about how Alex has been trying so hard to give her what she needs and she knows it hasn’t been easy, but he never gave up on her. Stephanie didn’t realize that what she needed was this. Stephanie says skydiving should be terrifying but it wasn’t, because she had him there. Alex says they had each other and that’s how it’s always going to be from now on. They kiss until Dave comes back and says he’s at capacity, but he feels they will come up with something to do. They agree as they exit.

EJ goes to the Brady Pub and finishes a call as Johnny arrives. EJ wishes he could stay and chat but he has to get to probate court about Stefano’s will. EJ knows Johnny once said he doesn’t want any of that DiMera blood money, but points out that it can be used for good and to help make sure his beautiful family never wants for anything. EJ hopes Johnny will reconsider his earlier position and eventually accept what is rightfully his.

Marlena questions Xander telling her no. Xander argues that she doesn’t know the first thing about the fashion industry or running a business while Kate is an expert in both. Xander adds that if her decision is based on something said or not said during his therapy session, that would be unethical.

Alex and Stephanie return home. They kiss as Alex jokes that he can’t believe he almost took her bowling. Stephanie says skydiving was perfect. Alex promises her a lifetime of adventures. Stephanie says she can’t wait as they continue kissing.

Brady and Sarah take bats to tires in punching bags to unleash their anger towards Xander and Kristen in the rage room, then they clear off a table of glass and laugh together.

Sophia tells Kristen that she read up a lot on personality disorders in Bayview and EJ checks a lot of boxes. Kristen calls him an arrogant, narcissistic jerk. Sophia says every family has issues but guesses she’s lucky that her parents were overprotective and her brothers were annoying, but they really love each other and she’s really going to miss them so much. Kristen asks if Sophia is going soft on her now. Sophia says no, but that EJ is right that she needs to leave Salem and start a brand new life. Kristen responds that’s exactly what she’s going to do after she completes her mission.

Johnny tells EJ that he won’t have to think about his inheritance for a long time because EJ is alive and well and is going to stay that way for a long time. EJ says he certainly hopes so, but life has it’s own agenda. Johnny says that’s why you have to make every moment count or at least try. EJ asks if he’s alright. Johnny says he’s fine and everything is fine. EJ says they will pick this up later as he exits the Pub.

Marlena asks if Xander is going to lecture her about ethics after what he and Kate did to Johnny. Xander understands her frustration but in order for Basic Black to survive and thrive, she needs to partner with someone who knows what they are doing. Marlena says that’s why she suggested Brady. Xander argues that Brady was very checked out which is why he had to fire him while Marlena argues that he fired Brady for having a relationship with his ex-wife. Xander says if Titan had more leeway financially, he might experiment with Brady again but they don’t. Xander adds that John was a brave and kind man, but he’s knowledge of the fashion world was limited. Marlena calls that not true, arguing that John made Basic Black a success. Xander states that Kate did that and that John made the right decision in hiring her. Xander says he’s now doing the same thing by hiring the same person to do the same for Marlena. Xander calls Kate iconic and perfect for the job, adding that Marlena will do this with Kate or she won’t do it at all.

Alex and Stephanie continue kissing. Stephanie tells Alex that if she didn’t have to go meet her dad, she would have her way with him right here. Alex says he’ll be waiting for her to get back as they resume kissing.

Brady and Sarah talk about feeling better after the rage room. Brady tells Sarah that watching her in there was a huge turn on. Sarah suggests Brady take her back to his place as they kiss.

Sophia asks Kristen when they are going to do it. Kristen responds that when the time comes to pull the trigger, she will let her know. Kristen warns Sophia not to screw this up as she walks away.

EJ returns to the Pub. Johnny notes that was fast. EJ says it turns out his presence was not required in court as it turns out, he’s no longer the executor of the estate, but Theo is. Johnny wonders what else Stefano changed. EJ says they won’t find out until the will reading. EJ adds that Marlena has been added to the list of beneficiaries.

Xander asks Marlena if she will work with Kate or not. Marlena doesn’t like ultimatums. Xander says he’s simply stating his position while Marlena argues that he’s trying to paint her in to a corner which she finds disappointing and infuriating. Marlena declares that she has nothing more to say and walks out of the office.

Alex answers the door at home and is shocked to see Joy Wesley has returned to Salem.

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Days Update Thursday, April 23, 2026

Days of Our Lives Update

 

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Update written by Joseph

In the living room of the DiMera Mansion, Gwen is pouring a drink when EJ walks in and reminds her that she no longer lives there. Gwen responds that she came for the rest of her things and decided to pour herself one last drink. EJ asks if something is wrong with the mini bar at the Salem Inn. Gwen responds that it’s empty and it will take ages to refill. Gwen adds that the Salem Inn is also not really private because Leo is her next door neighbor. EJ tells her to ask to switch rooms because the last thing she needs is Leo digging through her trash. Gwen responds that he’s already started digging but assures his secrets are safe. EJ says he hopes so because it’s a very important time for their project. Gwen asks how their patient is doing anyway and when Lexie is going to wake the hell up. EJ informs her that there has been a new development on that front.

Chad goes home to the Horton house where Jeremy greets him and invites him to stay for dinner as they’ve ordered a few pizzas. Jeremy points out that with Chad and his kids, himself and Julie, plus Lani and her twins all being there. Julie walks in and calls it a full house, adding that it’s about to get fuller because Jack and Jennifer can’t wait to come visit their grandkids. Julie then notices that Chad doesn’t look too pleased about that.

Leo runs in to Cat at the hospital and says it was lovely spending time with her and Gwen earlier. Leo says he’s at the hospital to have his head examined from his concussion.

Steve and Kayla go to visit Stephanie at home. Stephanie questions if Alex asked them to stop by to check on her because he’s been afraid to leave her alone since she got out of the hospital. Kayla says they just wanted to visit her. Steve then reveals that he brought her a gun like she wanted.

EJ shuts the doors of the living room and informs Gwen that Lexie moved her arm while Theo was with her. Gwen can’t believe it and exclaims that they did it. EJ tells her that Dr. Rolf is performing tests and calls it a sign that they’ve been waiting for that his sister is about to wake up.

Cat tells Leo that she completely forgot about his concussion. Leo talks about dealing with his breakup and knows Cat can relate after her and Chad. Cat says she doesn’t want to talk about it. Leo encourages that he believes if it were up to Chad, he’d be with Cat in a heartbeat.

Chad tells Julie that he’s fine with Jack and Jennifer visiting and the kids will be very happy to see their grandparents. Julie hopes that Chad can make a fresh start with Jack and Jennifer now that the custody lawsuit is over. Julie encourages that Jack and Jennifer want to see everyone, including Jeremy, pointing out that Jennifer was his biggest defender when Stephanie went missing. Jeremy responds that he’s just glad the truth came out and that Stephanie is safe now.

Kayla talks to Stephanie about the first time she held a gun. Steve wants to make sure Stephanie understands the fundamentals and how to use a gun. Stephanie assures that she’s ready to do whatever it takes. Steve asks when she wants her first lesson. Stephanie suggests right now, so they agree to get started.

Leo apologizes to Cat for going on about Chad. Leo brings up that Chad came back to town just like Javi, but remarks that at least Chad doesn’t have someone else like Javi and there’s only an ironclad contract keeping them apart. Cat decides she should finish work and head home. Leo brings up that Gwen mentioned EJ put Cat in charge of Stefano’s will reading ceremony which she confirms. Leo calls that quite a news story and asks if he can get an invitation.

Gwen tells EJ that this news about Lexie is incredible and questions his mood. EJ informs her that Chad has returned from his trip. Gwen asks why that’s a problem. EJ explains that Chad stopped by for what he thought was a friendly visit, but he accused him of having Abigail in the pod. Gwen questions why he would think that. EJ says the last thing they need is Chad sniffing around to find the truth. Gwen says that she knows Abigail was not in the pod, but brings up that when they started this, EJ told her that there were other people he wanted to experiment on, so she asks if Abigail is one of those people.

Chad stares out the window while Jeremy tells Julie that her support along with Jack and Jennifer meant the world to him. Julie states that now the world knows and Owen Kent is behind bars where he belongs. Julie goes to get Thomas and Charlotte ready for dinner. Chad apologizes to Jeremy for thinking he was guilty. Jeremy says it’s okay as Owen did a good job setting him up. Chad hopes Owen goes away for a long while and asks what the latest is. Jeremy says that Owen is being evaluated to determine if he’s fit to stand trial. Chad asks if he thinks he is. Jeremy responds that he hopes so because he’s looking forward to testifying against him and he knows Stephanie is too because she could really use some closure.

Steve walks Stephanie through gun safety, reminding her to always treat it as if it’s loaded, never point it at something you’re not willing to destroy, keeping her finger off the trigger until ready to shoot, and to know your target because there’s no guarantees and never want collateral damage. Steve mentions having a gun safe and ammo in the car. Kayla reminds Stephanie to always have the gun in safe while Steve says to have the ammo elsewhere. Stephanie questions how she will ever stand a chance if the gun is unloaded and locked in the safe.

EJ tells Gwen that he’s not having this conversation with her. Gwen insists that she is because she invested when he needed capital, so she deserves to know who else are in pods. EJ tells her that it’s of no concern to her and that Lexie was the most viable subject for resurrection, so Dr. Rolf needs this to work with her before they can even think about turning to others. EJ then gets a call from Dr. Rolf. EJ says that’s not what he was wanting to hear and to let him know if there’s been a change as he hangs up. EJ informs Gwen that Dr. Rolf confirmed Lexie is exhibiting signs which Gwen says is great news. EJ says yes and no.

Chad asks how Jeremy is doing since the kidnapping. Jeremy says what he’s dealing with is nothing compared to Stephanie as she and Alex got married the day before and then suddenly her whole world gets turned upside down. Chad is still surprised Stephanie and Alex ended up together after he almost cost her the chance to say goodbye to her mother when they thought Kayla was dying. Jeremy questions how he did that. Chad responds that he just made some selfish choices. Chad adds that he wishes Stephanie all the happiness. Jeremy asks if he doesn’t think she’s going to find it with Alex. Chad repeats that he just wishes her all the happiness and that’s all he’s going to say.

Steve understands Stephanie’s concern but says storing the weapon anywhere but a gun safe is too risky. Kayla agrees, bringing up how many people she sees in the emergency room from a gun accident. Stephanie agrees to keep it in the safe and assures she knows the responsibility. Kayla hopes she never has to use it. Steve states that knowing how to use it safely makes all the difference. Stephanie is grateful to them for trusting her with it as she needs to feel safe again and she knows this will help because she has to take her power back.

Cat tells Leo that she will ask EJ that he asked for an invitation to the will reading, but the answer will probably be no since it’s a family event and they won’t want a journalist there. Leo argues that Stefano would have loved the publicity. Leo suggests they should make plans soon and says she’s great to hang out with. Leo talks about feeling connected to her ever since they met outside of EJ’s lab and mentions that he’s still very curious about that pod. Cat then gets a call from Rafe that comes up on her phone as “James Smith” which Leo sees. Cat tells Leo that she has to check in with EJ. Leo reminds her to put in a good word for him as Cat walks away. Javi then arrives and sees Leo. They greet each other as Leo comments on Javi being back to work. Javi asks Leo if everything is okay. Leo says he just has a checkup. Javi says he has to go fill out some paperwork. Leo then stops him to ask how it’s going with his new guy.

Steve says he will get the gun safe and the ammo from the car and be right back as he exits. Kayla checks on Stephanie, who says she’s better now. Kayla asks how talking to Marlena went. Stephanie says it went well after one session and she’s going to start seeing her regularly. Kayla asks how Alex is with all this. Stephanie admits it’s not easy for him as he’s wanting to help her but there’s nothing he can really do, so he just ends up trying hard. Stephanie says it has to be frustrating living with her right now, but she hopes they are finding their way.

Julie returns to the living room and tells Chad and Jeremy about the kids arguing over a cookie. Chad decides he’ll go pick up their pizza and more cookies. Jeremy calls Chad a great dad. Chad talks about the kids keeping him going after losing Abigail and says he’s not taking a moment for granted after the custody suit as he doesn’t know what he would’ve done if he lost them. Chad then exits.

EJ explains to Gwen that Dr. Rolf hoped there would be increased alertness and consciousness but according to him, there’s been no change in Lexie’s brain activity and in his experience, the longer these improvements take, the less likely the experiment is to succeed. Gwen argues that it has to mean something because Lexie wasn’t moving just a few days ago. EJ assures that they are not giving up. EJ declares that if they fail now, it would be like losing his sister all over again. Gwen points out that’s not the only thing he’d be losing as they have put millions in to this. EJ responds that he’s aware of the stakes. Gwen reminds EJ that when they started on this, he told her they could make billions on the black market but now it seems he’s losing his nerve. EJ insists that he’s as committed as ever, but they are not going to put this out in the marketplace without proof of life.

Javi tells Leo that his new guy is fine and they just talked awhile ago. Leo asks if he plans to relocate to Salem or if Javi’s going back to Texas. Javi says they are taking it day by day as he’s not in a position to be making big life decisions and they’re just getting to know each other. Leo remarks that it’s hard to do when not in the same room, much less the same state. Leo quickly apologizes and says he just wants Javi to be happy. Javi thanks him and says he wants the same for him. Leo asks if they could grab dinner sometime just to talk as friends.

Chad bumps in to Gwen in the town square, spilling her coffee. Gwen says she heard he was back in town and welcomes him home. Chad mentions hearing Dimitri agreed to a divorce and congratulates her on being able to move out of the DiMera Mansion. Gwen thanks him, but admits that EJ kicked her out. Chad says either way, she’s much better on her own. Gwen remarks that she didn’t know he cared.

EJ finishes a call as Cat arrives at the DiMera Mansion and asks if he got good news. EJ says he got confirmation for the reading of Stefano’s will. Cat says she got all the invitations out. EJ says he included everyone and asks if anyone responded yet. Cat says that Tony and Anna said yes along with Chad, Kristen, and Rita while Steven Hawk was a no and she got no response from Dr. Rolf which EJ calls no surprise. Cat adds that every known contact they had for Megan ended up being a dead end. EJ says that doesn’t surprise him or displease him. EJ adds that Stefano’s will was drawn up several years ago and was pretty straightforward, declaring that all of Stefano’s surviving direct descendants will split the bulk of his inheritance. Cat asks about the non-survivors. EJ explains that anyone who died without naming a beneficiary, including Peter Blake, Stefan, and Jake, their shares go back in to the estate and are split among the surviving siblings. Cat asks how EJ is feeling with all of this. EJ responds that he is sad, but in a strange way, he’s really looking forward to being with his family. EJ wishes Cat could come. Cat reveals she’s decided to come to make sure it all goes smoothly and jokes that she thinks it could be wildly entertaining. EJ says she has no idea.

Julie and Jeremy look through an old family photo album. Julie asks how Jeremy is really doing. Jeremy admits he’s not sleeping great and keeps having nightmares about what Owen did to them, but insists that he has to be okay. Jeremy declares that he has to find a way to be strong for Stephanie.

Steve shows Stephanie how to load the gun and reminds her to clean it periodically. Steve tells her she did perfect in her first lesson and that the next step is going to the range where he teaches her how to shoot. Stephanie asks if they can go tonight. Steve says they are closed now but he did make arrangements to go with Brady as he plans to join Black Patch. Stephanie didn’t know he was interested in being a private investigator. Steve calls it a recent development. Kayla thinks Brady has been doing some soul searching since John passed away, but feels it’s in his blood. Steve decides he will call the range to make arrangements for all three of them tomorrow afternoon. Steve instructs Stephanie to leave the gun in the safe until she’s ready to go. Stephanie thanks them for everything they are doing to help keep her safe. Steve assures they’d do anything for her as he hugs her.

Leo tells Javi there’s no pressure on their dinner and that he can pick a date that works for him. Leo adds that he accepts they are done as a couple and that Javi has moved on, so this is not a ploy to win him back and he wants them to remain friends. Javi tells Leo that he has to decline dinner because his babbling would drive him nuts. Leo insists but Javi says he appreciates trying to stay in each other’s lives, but he can’t be friends with him as he needs a clean break. Javi then walks away.

Gwen invites Chad to join her for dinner but Chad tells her that he’s picking up pizza for the family and the kids, adding that Lani and her kids are back in town and they are all staying at Julie’s. Gwen remarks that Jack and Jennifer must be jealous. Chad reveals that they are coming back too. Chad admits it won’t be easy as he’s glad the kids will have their grandparents around, but they didn’t part on the best terms. Gwen says at least they are on speaking terms while Jack made it clear to her that he only had room for one daughter in his life. Gwen calls family more trouble than it’s worth. Chad points out that EJ took Gwen in when she married Dimitri while Gwen complains that EJ kicked her out when she was no longer a DiMera. Chad asks if Gwen heard anything about EJ’s research while living at the mansion and if he ever said who was in the pod found at the hospital. Gwen claims that he didn’t and that EJ locks all his secrets in a vault, so she doesn’t know anything about that.

Cat tells EJ that Leo was asking about the will reading, but EJ quickly says absolutely not. EJ brings up that Chad stopped by and mentioned running in to her. Cat asks what Chad said about it. EJ says he just said Salem is a small town, so he has to find a way to deal with seeing her. Cat says she has to figure that out too. EJ gets a call from court that surprises him. EJ thanks them for letting him know and hangs up. EJ then informs Cat that a codicil has been filed with the court in regards to Stefano’s will.

Jeremy talks on the phone, saying that was quick and it’s not a problem as he’ll be there tomorrow morning to pick them up.

Kayla and Steve say goodbye to Stephanie as Steve reminds her that he’ll pick her up for the range tomorrow. Stephanie says she’s looking forward to it as they exit. Steve asks Kayla how she thinks that went. Kayla calls it the calmest Stephanie has seemed in weeks. Steve is glad they could find something to help her feel better. Kayla tells Steve that he can breathe now too and that it was not his fault that she got taken as he did everything he could to help her, just like he is now. Kayla kisses Steve and calls him such a good dad as they walk away together. Back inside, Stephanie retrieves the gun from the safe and loads it before putting in a drawer while covering up the safe. Stephanie declares that she’s sorry but it’s the only way she’s going to feel safe.

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Days Short Recap Tuesday, May 12, 2026

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Recap written by Michele and Cheryl

Brady and Sarah were shocked that Sophia committed suicide. He didn’t want to tell Rachel until they found out what happened to Sophia. Sarah said Amy told everyone that Holly was responsible for Sophia committing suicide. Brady said he talked to Sophia’s father and he was upset. Holly and Tate argued over Sophia’s suicide. They ended up apologizing to each other. Tate ran into Brady. He told Brady that things were complicated because of Sophia. Brady wanted him to talk to a therapist. Tate said he might use the Salem U’s therapist instead of Marlena. Holly told Sarah that Amy threatened to make her pay for Sophia’s cyber bullying. Sarah said she hoped Holly learned her lesson about what she put online.

Gabi told Philip about the will reading. She told him that Lexie was alive, but he had to keep it quiet until the DiMeras said it was okay to say something. Gabi didn’t want to mess up her inheritance. Philip said he had samples of Vivian’s handwriting that proved she forged the papers. Gabi said she would share whatever she got with him. Philip refused to take anything. Gabi said it would make her happy if he did. Marlena told Belle about the will reading and how Stefano left her a chess set. She told Belle that she didn’t want anything of Stefano’s in her house. Belle said there was a message in the set. Marlena didn’t care about the message. While they were talking, they talked about Amy wanting to make Holly pay for cyber bullying Sophia. Belle said she should recuse herself after what happened with Rachel. Marlena agreed with her. Tate told Brady that he wanted to talk to Amy, but Brady stopped him. Holly didn’t want to talk to Sarah, but she stopped her. Sarah said she loved her, but she wasn’t going to tell her what she wanted to hear. Holly walked away from her.

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Days Short Recap Wednesday, May 13, 2026

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Recap written by Michele and Cheryl

Theo and Abe sat by Lexie’s side when Kayla came into her room. She confirmed that the woman in the bed was Lexie. They knew it because they felt connected to her. Kayla assured them that she was okay. Theo wanted to stay with Lexie while Abe talked to Paulina. Lexie woke up after Abe left and was surprised that Theo was her son. He informed her that she passed away and that it was 2026. Paulina sat alone at the hospital when Marlena noticed her. She talked to Marlena about everything that happened with Lexie. Paulina thought that Abe was going to leave her for Lexie. Marlena tried to assure her that her marriage would be fine, but Paulina wasn’t sure about that. She knew Abe’s love for her was different from his love for Lexie. Paulina knew she lost him. Chanel arrived at the hospital to get Johnny and to get her biopsy. She noticed her mother, and she filled Chanel in about Lexie. Chanel realized that Lexie was the problem Paulina was talking about. She assured Paulina that Abe loved her. Abe arrived and wanted to talk to Paulina. Kayla went to Marlena’s office, and they talked about Lexie. They also talked about the chess set that Stefano left Marlena. Marlena turned it down. She was happy that Lexie was back, but she felt bad for Paulina. EJ wanted Gwen at the mansion to talk about their patient. He told her that she was awake. Lexie was in the hospital because of Leo. Gwen was upset, but EJ was ready for the next part of the plan. He told her that he already received offers for the drug. Gwen reminded him that he was offered billions of dollars for the drug already. EJ reminded her that he was taking the risks for the plan so he should get the majority of the money. Gwen was furious that he felt he should get more money. He told her that she didn’t have a leg to stand on. She had to take what she was offered or get nothing. Abe talked to Paulina about Lexie. He admitted that he was struggling with everything. Abe didn’t know what to do. Paulina told him to support his wife. He had to help her recover. Abe reminded her that she was his wife too. Paulina didn’t think she was since Lexie was back. He said he loved her too. Paulina said she loved him too, but she pushed him away. She told him to be with Lexie.

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Days Short Recap Monday, May 11, 2026

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Recap written by Michele and Cheryl

The DiMeras toasted to their father when Lexie stumbled out of the tunnel. Abe was speechless so Theo rushed to him. Everyone remained silent until Lexie walked collapsed. EJ caught her to keep her from falling. Tony called an ambulance. Abe tried talking to Lexie. Chad demanded answers, but Theo told him that Lexie was in the pod. EJ was excited that his plan worked. Kristen didn’t believe that she was really Lexie. With the family scrambling over Lexie’s return, Tony approached Gabi about the company. He didn’t want Johnny to run the company. Tony would rather have Gabi run it. EJ yelled for Dr. Rolf. He was upset that he didn’t get the reveal he wanted because Dr, Rolf was hiding from someone. Dr. Rolf was happy that his experiment worked. Kristen spotted Sophia in the garden and freaked out. She had a breakdown. Dr. Rolf found Kristen yelling for Sophia to stay dead. He thought she was talking about Lexie. Kristen said that whoever he and EJ back would cause trouble.

Abe and Theo arrived at the hospital and told Kayla about what happened. Kayla thought EJ was behind what happened. Abe talked about what Theo knew about Lexie when Paulina arrived. Paulina was disappointed when she found out about Lexie being there. She encouraged Abe to be with his “wife.” After Abe left, Paulina admitted to Theo that she knew about Lexie too. He assured her that everything would work the way it should. Theo left to give a DNA sample. Leo was at the hospital ready to get information about Lexie when Chad showed up. Chad told him not to say anything about Lexie until they got more information. EJ and Kat arrived at the hospital. Chad warned EJ that there would be repercussions for what happened. Kayla talked to the family to let them know what happened. She called EJ out for what he did to his sister to make money. Tony said his deal with Gabi would stand. He reminded her that she was the reason why Philip’s family company could go under. Gabi refused to do what Tony wanted and walked away from him. Chad asked EJ if they ever found Abby, could he bring her back too. EJ told him that Lexie was preserved shortly after her death. He wasn’t sure if it would work for Abby. Abe talked to Lexie while holding her hand. He didn’t know if it was really happening. Lexie’s eyes opened while he was talking. She cried as he promised to be there for her. Lexie said she loved him. Paulina watched them from the doorway and heard Abe tell Lexie that he loved her too.

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Days Update Wednesday, April 22, 2026

Days of Our Lives Update

 

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Update written by Joseph

At the hospital, Xander sees Sarah frustratingly end a phone call and asks if everything is alright. Sarah responds that she just needed to speak to EJ, but he’s at a meeting in Chicago. Sarah assumes Xander is there to see Marlena. Xander confirms he is and that he’ll be picking up Victoria later to take her to the zoo. Sarah says Victoria is excited about that and she’s glad that Xander is keeping up with his therapy. Xander says it’s a condition of their custody agreement and he takes that very seriously because he’d do anything to keep Victoria in his life. Xander gives his word that he’ll bring her home at the proper time so Sarah says she’ll see him later as he walks away.

Outside of the Brady Pub, Roman tells Johnny that he knows the DiMeras are his family but he really wishes he hadn’t agreed to stay on at DiMera Enterprises. Johnny feels he has to deal with this lawsuit and promises he won’t get sucked back in to the DiMera way as he would resign before letting that happen. Kate walks up and greets them, so Johnny says he has to go and quickly walks away, leaving Kate disappointed.

Brady and Tate sit together in the Pub. Tate tells him about his visit with Rachel. Brady is grateful that Tate visits her as much as he does since it means the world to her. Tate says there’s something else he wanted to talk to him about. Tate informs Brady that he has finally come to a decision about college. Tate announces he’s not going to register for next semester at Salem U.

Xander goes to Marlena’s office for his therapy session. Xander admits he’s eager to get through their session because he’s taking Victoria to the zoo this afternoon. Marlena is glad they are spending quality time together and knows that was a reason he wanted to do therapy. Marlena brings up Johnny thinking that Xander set him up to publish a plagiarized manuscript and asks if that’s true.

Chanel tells Lani that she’s grateful she showed up when she did because she couldn’t juggle running the Bakery and taking care of Trey. Lani says she’ll take any time she can with her favorite nephew. Lani asks what’s going to happen to the Bakery when Chanel goes on maternity leave. Chanel says she’s working on that and repeats that she’s just glad Lani showed up. They discuss plans to take their kids to the aquarium tomorrow and agree to talk later about when to meet up as Chanel then leaves with Trey. Kristen then comes in to the town square and is shocked to see Lani. They embrace as Kristen can’t believe she’s really there. Kristen says that Lani always shows up at the right time as her heart couldn’t take much more. Lani asks if she means because of Rachel being back in Bayview. Kristen says that’s part of it. Kristen wants to celebrate Lani being back as she asks why and how long she’s here. Lani responds that this is her home now as she and Eli are moving back to Salem. Lani apologizes for not calling sooner but the last few days have been crazy. Kristen tells her not to worry and calls it the best news she’s had in a very long time

Johnny goes home to Chanel and asks how her day was. Chanel says it was fine and that Trey is sleeping after Lani helped her. Johnny says he’s glad Lani is back in Salem. Johnny brings up Chanel saying earlier that she was too busy to make a doctor’s appointment, so he made one for her.

Brady questions Tate not going back to Salem U in the fall. Tate says that Brady said he was okay with that. Brady confirms he is as he’s not going to force him to do anything he doesn’t want to do and he understands a four year degree program isn’t for everyone, but he’s going to have to do something. Brady wants Tate to keep an open mind for his future and reminds him that he can always re-enroll if he changes his mind. Brady asks if Tate told his mother about this. Tate confirms that he called her earlier and she freaked out at first, but since she didn’t go to college, she ended up being supportive eventually. Brady asks what Tate has decided to pursue then. Tate responds that he took a cool exercise physiology class that he loved which made him realize he wants to become a certified personal trainer. Brady relates to having one of those himself and then reveals to Tate that he’s decided to become a licensed private investigator.

Kate and Roman walk to the park as Kate talks about being sorry that Johnny is upset about the lawsuit since she agrees that it’s an unfortunate situation. Kate insists that she did not set him up. Roman points out that Johnny seems pretty convinced that she did. Kate says that Johnny is young and inexperienced, so maybe he’s not mature enough to admit he made a mistake. Roman questions if Kate is saying there would be no evidence linking her or Titan to Johnny publishing that book. Kate confirms that is what she’s saying because there is none.

Marlena reminds Xander that anything he says in therapy remains confidential while Xander argues that it’s manipulative to ask a question like that as therapy when she’s really asking for her own purposes. Marlena feels his answer will determine if the therapy is working, so she asks if he was lying to Johnny, Roman, and Maggie. Marlena reminds him that if he’s lying to her now, it will break the conditions of their therapy. Xander says he doesn’t need reminding so Marlena asks for his answer. Xander responds that he has nothing to say and assumes that means Marlena is dropping him as a patient, but she says no. Marlena points out that Xander has done worse things so this is not a dealbreaker. Marlena decides they will move on by asking how things are going with Gwen. Xander says he believes things are going fine. Marlena notes that he sounds unsure. Xander brings up that EJ kicked Gwen out of the mansion today. Marlena questions how that is relevant. Xander reveals that if Gwen is no longer living on DiMera ground, spending so much time with her isn’t quite as appealing.

Tate tells Brady that it’s so great that he’s taking the job at Black Patch and congratulates him. Brady thanks him and says it means a lot that he’s supportive. Tate says the same of Brady supporting his decision to leave school. Tate adds that he will not be slacking off this summer as he already has a job lined up which surprises Brady as he asks if that means Tate is quitting the Pub. Tate clarifies that he got a second job as his martial arts instructor asked him to help teach at the dojo. Brady says that’s great and he’s happy for him. Tate thanks him and says he’s really lucky the opportunity came up. Brady asks how Holly feels about all of this exciting news. Tate admits that he hasn’t told her yet as he was going to wait until finals are over, but he’s not sure that will be the best time either since Holly has been stressed since Sophia got out of Bayview. Tate asks if there’s any word on the fingerprint analysis. Brady says the lab hasn’t finished analyzing it yet, but with any luck they will be able to bring Sophia to justice.

Roman tells Kate that he hates to question her honesty but he’s confident she would do anything for her family and brings up Philip being her son with Titan as Victor’s legacy. Roman says she works for Titan and questions if she had the choice to protect her family or his. Roman points out that she did it before when her son kidnapped his daughter and she had no trouble keeping that to herself. Kate argues that was not the same at all. Roman agrees that was worse and talks about how Sami was in a situation where she didn’t know if she would live or die and Kate knew but never told him. Kate argues that by the time she found out, Sami was already home, safe and happy with Lucas. Roman says she wanted to protect Lucas so when she had to make a choice, she chose to protect her own family. Kate declares that Roman would do exactly the same thing.

Kristen and Lani sit together in the town square. Lani says she’s done talking about herself and wants to talk about Kristen and Rachel. Kristen talks about Rachel hating being in Bayview and how she’d do anything to get her out. Kristen suggests they get together tomorrow so she can see Lani’s twins. Lani says she would love that but she just made plans to go to the aquarium with Chanel. Kristen asks if Eli and Johnny will be joining them. Lani tells her that Eli is still wrapping things up in DC for a few days while Johnny is working from home, so Chanel wanted to get Trey out of the house. That seems to give Kristen an idea as she comments that Lani and Chanel will have fun.

Chanel questions Johnny making an appointment for her with Sarah. Johnny argues that she had such a busy day and is always taking care of everyone else before herself, but Chanel gets upset and angrily asks why he would disrespect her like that.

Marlena asks if Xander is saying he’s using Gwen and sleeping with her to snoop around the DiMera Mansion. Xander says it’s not only that as he is very attracted to Gwen but snooping around the mansion was a big added bonus. Xander feels like Marlena might not approve, but she completely supports any attempt to bring down EJ and asks if he’s right. Marlena decides they are out of time and can pick that up at their next session. Xander thanks her for her discretion while Marlena thanks him for his honesty as Xander then exits the office.

Roman assumes that was Kate confessing. Kate says it wasn’t, but that Roman is right that she would do anything for her family. Kate points out that they are married so his family is included in her family and she would hope her family is included in his, as they are now one family since they pledged themselves to each other in marriage. Kate asks Roman how she can fix this and what she can do or say to convince him that she only wants the best for Johnny.

Brady calls Sarah and says he just wanted to check in. Sarah says her day is busy as usual but it’s good to hear his voice. Brady asks if she wants to get together after her shift. Sarah responds that she would love that.

Tate walks through the town square. Sophia sees him and starts to walk away but Tate stops her and says they need to talk.

Johnny apologizes to Chanel. Chanel argues that they don’t even know if something is wrong with her while he’s acting like she’s on life support, insisting that it’s common to get breast lumps during pregnancy. Johnny knows she wants to believe her health is perfect, but if something is wrong, the sooner they catch it the better and if nothing is wrong, they can relax. Chanel asks when the appointment is. Johnny says it’s in the next 15 minutes and says they can check on their baby with an ultrasound. Chanel asks about Trey since she just put him down for a nap. Johnny says he’s already called the babysitter and asks if they can just go. Chanel agrees to just get it over with.

Xander goes to the DiMera Mansion where Kristen is pouring a drink in the living room. Xander didn’t realize anyone was in there while Kristen didn’t realize he had free access to stroll around. Xander says that Harold let him in and claims he left an ear bud in Gwen’s room. Kristen tells him that EJ wouldn’t want him snooping around and she doesn’t either. Xander asks why she would think he was snooping around and what ever gave her that idea.

Roman tells Kate that the only way to fix this is to drop the lawsuit against DiMera. Kate responds that she would if she could but it’s out of her hands now, arguing that it would be open season against them if Titan didn’t respond to protecting their intellectual property. Kate says she hates that Johnny is involved but claims the lawsuit is bigger than their personal relations and has taken on a life of it’s own. Kate states that once DiMera published Bonnie’s book, there was no turning back.

Marlena joins Brady at the Brady Pub for lunch. Brady is glad she could join him while Marlena jokes that she has to find him to keep up with all the news. Brady tells her that Rachel loved the card she sent her in the mail. Marlena says she’s so sorry Rachel is in Bayview and wishes things went differently. Brady knows Marlena feels somewhat responsible but says she shouldn’t because it’s not her fault. Brady adds that he has some good news and announces he’s going to be working with Steve as a private investigator to put the Black back in to Black Patch.

Sophia asks what Tate wants to talk about. Tate says it’s more that he’s going to talk and she’s going to listen. Tate tells Sophia to stay away from Holly because she’s making her life miserable. Sophia argues that it’s more that Holly needs to stay away from her and complains about all the horrible things Holly has said about her at school behind her back and to her face. Tate asks for an example. Sophia tells him that just the other day, Holly told ther that she wished she was dead.

Johnny and Chanel meet with Sarah at the hospital. Sarah discusses what the lump could be while Chanel argues that it’s just a normal part of pregnancy. Sarah says they still need to get it checked out, so Johnny asks what they do now. Chanel responds that this isn’t a “we” thing as there’s nothing for him to do here. Sarah points out that Johnny got her here, so he did do something important. Sarah explains that she will order a mammogram and take it from there. Chanel questions if that’s safe with the baby. Johnny asks about the radiation. Sarah says the risks are minimal and the positives outweigh them, assuring they will take care of the baby. Sarah says she’ll order it ASAP so Chanel questions if that’s because she’s worried. Sarah encourages that it’s just taking it safe and asks if there’s anything else she can do. Chanel asks if they can see their baby while they are there, so Sarah agrees to go find an ultrasound tech. Johnny encourages Chanel that everything is going to be okay. Chanel responds that it has to be. After leaving the room, Sarah makes a call to schedule a mammogram as soon as possible.

Kristen tells Xander to cut the crap and asks what he really wants. Xander thinks it’s the same as her and admits it’s to find out what EJ is up to. Kristen asks why he’s so interested. Xander comments on keeping your friends close and enemies closer. Kristen stops him and says they also say “the enemy of my enemy is my friend”, so this could be the start of a beautiful friendship.

Brady tells Marlena about Tate wanting to be a personal trainer and reveals he wants to drop out of Salem U to pursue that career. Marlena asks if he’s okay with that. Brady confirms that he is, because Tate is passionate about it and he respects that. Brady adds that if Tate changes his mind, he can always re-enroll so nothing is set in stone. Marlena is glad he found something to be passionate about. Brady asks about Marlena’s possible new career path at Basic Black. Marlena responds that she thought it was promising but she’s not sure it’s going to work out.

Sophia asks how Tate feels about Holly now that he knows she’s wishing her dead. Tate says even if Holly said that, it’s not like she actually meant it and questions how he knows she’s not lying. Sophia mocks that while Tate argues that she’s not the victim here. Tate tells Sophia to just stay away from Holly and warns that if she tries to hurt her again. Sophia questions what he will do and asks if he’ll use his black belt skills on her to put her in a chokehold. Tate tells her to stop acting crazy then apologizes for his poor use of words. Tate tells Sophia to understand that he and Holly are solid together and she cannot change that. Sophia asks if he’d be happy to never see her again. Tate says those were her words, not his. Sophia warns him to be careful what he wishes for and walks away.

Brady asks if there’s anything he can do to help with Marlena’s decision. Marlena thanks him and says she will figure it out. Marlena adds that she’ll let him know as Brady encourages that she would be great at Basic Black. Brady says he has to get going to Bayview before visiting hours are over. Marlena sends her love to Rachel. Brady thanks her as they hug. Roman and Kate arrive as Brady exits. Roman tells Marlena that he hears from Kate that they might end up being colleagues. Marlena responds that they are still looking in to that.

Xander runs in to Sarah in the town square. Xander asks if something is wrong since Victoria and the nanny were supposed to be there by now. Sarah says they will just be a little late and brings him some sunscreen for Victoria’s trip to the zoo. Xander thanks her and asks if everything is alright. Sarah responds that she’s just counting her blessings.

Chanel and Johnny go home where Trey is still asleep. Chanel hopes he’s not up all night. Johnny says they’ll deal with it if he is. Chanel says they might take him on another evening stroll. Johnny hopes she’s not still mad at him for making the doctor’s appointment. Chanel admits she’s glad they went but she would like to forget about it for awhile. They look at the pictures from their ultrasound. Chanel says she can’t wait to hold her baby in her arms. Chanel starts to get emotional about possibly having cancer and not getting to raise their kids. Johnny tells her not to even say that, reminding her that Sarah said the odds are in their favor. Johnny promises that no matter what happens, he’s going to be right by her side. Johnny hugs Chanel as she cries.

Sophia returns to the town square and gets a call from Kristen, who says she just wanted to let her know that the time to move on Johnny is tomorrow because Chanel will be gone all day. Sophia responds that it’s so soon and she doesn’t know if she’s ready. Kristen tells her it gets done tomorrow with no emotion and no mess. Kristen declares that Johnny made himself a target, so now they will take the shot, clean, quiet, and permanent.

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Days Short Recap Friday, May 8, 2026

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Recap written by Michele and Cheryl

Everyone showed up at the DiMera mansion for the will reading. In the tunnels, Rita told EJ that Rolf was the only one who knew about the codicil. He would be watching Lexie during the will reading. EJ got a call about the Alamainian plane being at the airport. Tony told Theo that he wanted him to run DiMera. He asked Theo what EJ did to make him quit. Theo refused to answer him. When Abe showed up, they went to the family room. Marlena and Kristen ran into each other at the square. They argued over Rachel. While they were arguing, Kristen told Marlena that she hated EJ as must as she did. Marlena reminded her that EJ wouldn’t be born if it weren’t for her. She told Kristen that everything EJ has done was because of her. Kristen brought up the will reading before she left. The rest of the people showed up at the will reading. Theo got the will reading started. Everything was being divided among the children. Marlena didn’t want the chess pieces that Stefano left for her and John. She left the will reading. Stefano wanted everyone to move on and work together. He wanted them to increase their prominence in Salem. Leo saw Cat in the tunnels. He realized Dimitri was right about her being an ISA agent. Leo thought she was investigating EJ. Cat denied being an ISA agent. Everyone toasted the will. While they were toasting, Lexie came out of the tunnels.

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Days Short Recap Thursday, May 7, 2026

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Recap written by Michele and Cheryl

Alex went to the Kiriakis mansion to tell Justin that he had a daughter. While they were talking, Justin told him he knew what it was like to be kept from his child and have a wife who accepted the child. Alex said he hoped Stephanie would accept Kelsey the way Adrienne accepted him. Stephanie talked to Jada about Kelsey. She told Jada that she didn’t know how she would deal with the baby when she was dealing with PTSD. Jada suggested that Stephanie tell Alex how she felt. She also told Stephanie to meet Kelsey. Arianna argued with Gabi over Liam. She reminded Gabi about her relationship with Stefan and called her a hypocrite. Gabi told her that Stefan and Liam were different. She told Arianna to stay away from Liam. If Arianna didn’t stay away from Liam, Gabi threatened to do something about it. Roman confronted Kate about what she did to Johnny. Kate told him he was letting Marlena get in his head. Roman said he knew how far she was willing to go for her children. He said what happened to Johnny benefited Philip.

When Johnny woke up, Amy was in his room. She apologized to him for what Sophia did and asked him not to say anything bad about her to Trey. Amy said she didn’t want Trey to grow up hating Sophia. Johnny said he wouldn’t say anything about Sophia and offered to let Amy see Trey. Amy gave Johnny the picture of Trey that Sophia stole. Johnny gave it back to her and said she could keep it. Later on, Amy and Arianna ran into each other at the town square. Arianna offered Amy her condolences, but Amy didn’t care. Amy said she turned her back on Sophia. She told Arianna that she didn’t see how badly Sophia was hurting. Amy said she would get justice for Sophia. Chanel and Joy ran into each other at the square. She didn’t care to talk to Joy and warned her to stay away from her and Johnny. Chanel went to the hospital and told Johnny about seeing Joy. Johnny told her about what happened with Amy. He blamed himself for why Sophia did what she did. Chanel said what Sophia did was her own fault. While they were talking, she got a notification that the biopsy was scheduled for tomorrow.

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Days Update Tuesday, April 21, 2026

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Update written by Joseph

Gwen finds her bags packed at the DiMera Mansion and calls out to EJ, who comes down the stairs. Gwen questions what this is. EJ informs her that her luggage is packed because the staff is moving Kristen in and moving Gwen out.

Leo is in his room at the Salem Inn, drinking from a bottle of wine. Leo questions how he’s supposed to write 12 pages when he can’t stop thinking about Javi’s mystery firefighter romance. Leo decides he’s going to dig online to try to find out who Javi’s new boyfriend is.

Gabi exits the Pub with Theo’s journal. Theo then comes back and sees that she found his journal. Gabi says she was going to track him down to bring it to him and here he is.

Cat walks in to the town square and is surprised to see Chad’s daughter, Charlotte. Cat starts to ask if she’s there by herself when Chad (now played by Conner Floyd) and Thomas (now played by Alexander Bond) join her side. Charlotte points out Cat, so Chad greets her.

Gwen questions what Kristen moving in has to do with her staying when there are 20 guest rooms. EJ reminds her that if she continues to live under his roof, people will start asking questions and Kristen has a PHD in snooping. Gwen argues that EJ just can’t stomach the fact that she’s involved with Xander and is taking his resentment of Xander out on her. EJ admits he finds Xander utterly loathsome but says he doesn’t want him hanging around because he would love nothing more than to find dirt to use against him and DiMera Enterprises, so he’d prefer not to give him the opportunity. EJ adds that he’ll also no longer have to start his mornings finding Xander pillaging his breakfast buffet. EJ argues that Gwen should be thanking him because he decided to cover her stay at the Salem Inn for the foreseeable future. Gwen argues that EJ can’t afford to piss her off because he needs her money so badly to get his project over the finish line. EJ questions wasting her day here when she could be enjoying the Salem Inn. EJ jokes that her best perk is no longer having to see his face every morning. EJ then opens the door, so Gwen takes her bags and storms out.

Theo tells Gabi that he should get going, but stops and questions if Gabi read his journal. Gabi thinks back to reading it, but claims to Theo that she would never violate his privacy like that. Theo says he didn’t mean to accuse her. Philip then shows up and greets them. Theo repeats that he should get going and hurries off. Philip asks Gabi what he just interrupted.

Cat welcomes Chad home and hopes they had a good trip. Thomas says they did but now they’re back and complains about Cat being the first person they see. Chad tells Thomas not to be rude and makes him apologize. Chad says they should get going as Julie is expecting them. Cat tells them to take care. Chad is sure they’ll see her around as they walk away.

Leo continues drinking wine and searching for Javi’s boyfriend online. Leo then hears Gwen outside and opens the door to see her struggling to open her door across the hall. Leo questions Gwen now being a resident at the Salem Inn. Gwen confirms that she is and that it looks like they’re neighbors.

Gabi tells Philip that he didn’t interrupt anything as she was just grabbing a coffee and Theo just happened to be there, so she decided to check on him since he bolted out on trivia night. Philip wonders what was going on with him. Gabi says he didn’t explain but said he was feeling better. Gabi adds that she’s glad she ran in to Philip because she has a professional proposition for him. Philip brings up her lecture about the dangers of mixing business with pleasure. Gabi says that’s why she didn’t say anything last night since they were focusing on the pleasure part of their relationship. Philip suggests sneaking in more of that before they get down to business. Gabi says she likes that idea as they kiss.

Theo runs in to Cat in the town square. Cat says she’s happy she ran in to him since EJ has her coordinating the reading of Stefano’s will and she might need his help. Theo questions how since he thought only the heirs were included. Cat says it’s heirs and beneficiaries which includes Abe, who has not been returning her calls or messages so she hoped Theo could urge him to do that.

Chad goes to the DiMera Mansion where EJ greets him with a hug and tells him it’s good to have him home. EJ asks where Thomas and Charlotte are. Chad says he dropped them off at Julie’s but he wanted to come by and check in. EJ says he looks forward to seeing them as he’s missed them. Chad says they’ll be around. Chad questions the luggage out front. EJ informs him that Gwen is moving out and Kristen is moving in which surprises Chad, who asks if that means they are playing nice. EJ says he wouldn’t go that far and asks if Chad has seen Cat since coming back. Chad confirms they ran in to her in the town square. EJ asks how Thomas took it. Chad admits he didn’t take it well but insists it will be okay and that Cat will eventually move on. EJ then thinks back to Cat kissing him and encourages that Chad will move on as well.

Leo questions Gwen leaving the DiMera Mansion or if EJ kicked her out. Gwen claims she decided to leave because she’s no longer a DiMera and didn’t need their charity. Leo congratulates Gwen on getting everything she ever wanted. Gwen supposes Leo is partly to thank since he convinced Dimitri to sign the divorce papers. Gwen says it’s a shame things didn’t work out for them. Leo responds that he’s actually relieved as he dodged a bullet. Gwen questions Leo day drinking by himself. Leo points out that he wouldn’t be by himself if he had someone to drink with and that Gwen owes him for getting Dimitri to sign the divorce papers, so he invites Gwen to have a drink with him. Gwen decides she’s feeling generous, so they exit together.

Philip and Gabi sit together at the Brady Pub. Gabi shows Philip her reports on Gabi Chic expanding internationally. Philip is impressed and says it’s more than he can say for Titan’s recent numbers. Gabi says she didn’t show him the numbers to gloat, but to float an idea by him, so Philip says he’s listening.

Theo tells Cat that he knows it will be hard for Abe since he eschews everything DiMera. Cat is sure it would be a sad reminder that Lexie is gone and apologizes. Theo says he has to go. Cat asks him to have Abe call her as Theo hurries off.

EJ informs Chad that he’s asked Cat to handle the logistics of Stefano’s will, but he can have it arranged so they don’t have to interact since they don’t need to add their drama. EJ comments on their family always having a new blood feud and says they’ll just wait for Tony to return from his trip. Chad asks about Megan. EJ says the ISA and FBI would be staked out by their front gate if she showed up, but he did ask Dimitri to pass along the message before he skipped town. Chad figured Dimitri would be making himself at home now that he’s a free man. EJ responds that he probably would’ve have if Leo didn’t give him the boot. Chad says good for Leo. EJ remarks that Leo apparently has a backbone after all while Chad notes that Leo is his friend so EJ apologizes. EJ invites Chad to stay for lunch. Chad declines but says he did want to talk to him about something which is why he dropped the kids off early. Chad says it’s Stephanie’s kidnapping and the pod found in EJ’s lab at the hospital.

Leo and Gwen have drinks in the town square. Cat approaches and greets them. Cat guesses they’ve made up but Gwen says she still can’t stand Leo, though drinking partners are hard to come by. Gwen invites Cat to join them, so she does. Cat asks how Gwen has been. Gwen responds that she’s just wonderful as her accounts are unfrozen, Dimitri signed the divorce papers, and she’s no longer living with the snakes at the DiMera Mansion so life is good. Cat says she’s happy she’s doing well and offers if she needs a place to stay for awhile. Gwen thanks her but says she’s rolling in cash now, so she’ll be designing her own mansion soon. Leo remarks that in the meantime, she’s staying next to him at the Salem Inn. Leo jokes about the staff having to survive that and sarcastically toasts to Gwen being back at the Inn.

Philip tells Gabi that Titan Shipping would love to get in bed with Gabi Chic but they are probably not the most competitive bidder right now. Gabi says this isn’t just about money as she prefers doing business with people she knows and trusts, adding there’s no one she trusts more than him. Philip jokes that she’d be the only person to say that about him. Gabi says the same. Philip assures that he trusts her more than anyone.

Theo visits Lexie’s in EJ’s secret room. Theo says he knows it’s only been a few days but it feels like a lifetime. Theo talks about EJ saying it’s good that he comes to talk to her even if she can’t respond. Theo talks about Marlena suggesting that he start journaling, so he wrote about Gabi and stupidly left his journal at the Pub where she found it and his heart almost dropped, but she claimed not to have read it. Theo says the last thing he wants is to cause problems as there’s too much at stake, especially now that Lexie might come home to them.

EJ assures Chad that he had nothing to do with Stephanie’s kidnapping. Chad wants to believe him but warns that if he finds out that EJ knew and did nothing. EJ argues that he cares about Stephanie and complains about how little Chad thinks of him. Chad says it’s been eating at him since he heard and not just Stephanie and Jeremy being held, but the pod being found. Chad demands EJ tell him who was in the pod or who he was planning to put in it. Chad then asks if it was Abigail.

Gabi asks Philip if he feels like partnering up. Philip thinks she needs to field some other offers since what’s best for Titan might not be what’s best for Gabi Chic and he wouldn’t feel right if their relationship got in the way of her business. Gabi says she appreciates that but she’s already heard other offers. Philip decides they will do this the right way then and he will call his team to put together a proposal. Philip gives his word that they will pitch the best they can offer. Philip asks who else is trying for her business. Gabi claims just a few other companies. Philip guesses that includes DiMera. Gabi admits that Theo came to her with a proposal before she started shopping around. Philip asks how his numbers looked. Gabi says it looked good and she was willing to accept it because she trusts Theo and said that Johnny was willing to honor it. Philip is glad it gave them an opening but says he doesn’t get Theo’s 180 about going back to DiMera and asks if she has any idea what’s really going on with him.

Theo talks to Lexie about Lani and Eli moving back to Salem, then realizes that she doesn’t know who they are. Theo says Lani is like a sister to him and Eli is Julie’s grandson. Theo says it’s nice having family around again, just like it was when Lexie was there. Theo recalls when he and Abe would stop by the cemetery to talk to Lexie when it turns out, she was never even there and was stuck in some pod somewhere. Theo cries that he always thought she was at peace in Heaven and watching over them. Theo says he’s sorry for everything she’s been through.

EJ tells Chad that it wasn’t Abigail and questions how he could think he would go behind his back with something that would affect him so profoundly. Chad brings up Abigail’s body not being in her grave. Chad says they’ve argued about this before, but with everything coming out about him lately, he wouldn’t be surprised if EJ brought Abigail back just to keep her all to himself.

Cat tells Leo that it must be a load off his shoulders at work since Chad is back in town. Leo is surprised to learn Chad is back in town and worries about the lecture he’s going to get from him about deadlines and showing up on time. Leo mentions fleeing the country with Dimitri while Gwen wants no more mentions of him. Leo thanks Cat for the heads up about Chad as he needs to get back to work and start focusing on the pod story. Leo asks if Cat has anything to share from working with EJ but Cat says no. Leo asks what Gwen knows from living with EJ for months. Gwen reminds Leo that she told him that she had nothing to do with lab and had no idea what was going on in there. Leo argues that she was trapped in there for hours during the blackout but Gwen insists that she couldn’t see anything. Leo brings up Gwen being in charge of the important delivery on the night of the gala. Gwen argues that if Leo spent this much time on patching things up with Javi as he does on this story, maybe they’d still be together. Leo responds that there is no patching up because Javi has a new firefighter boyfriend who is probably everything he’s not. Gwen says it serves him right but it doesn’t feel as good as she thought it would. Gwen declares that she got her revenge and her fortune, so she thought seeing Leo lose everything would make her satisfied but it doesn’t at all. Gwen states that she got everything she wanted but it doesn’t mean anything if she doesn’t have anyone to share it with. Gwen toasts to life being empty without true love.

Gabi asks Philip why she would know anything about why Theo left DiMera. Philip points out that they are friends so he thought maybe Theo mentioned something when she followed him out of the Pub last night. Gabi says that Theo just said he wasn’t feeling well. Philip reveals that he invited Theo to join he and Xander at Titan. Gabi says that he never mentioned that. Philip isn’t sure he was in to it, but he thinks it makes sense since Theo has tons of inside knowledge of their biggest competitor and business savvy. Gabi calls it a bad idea since asking Theo to flip on DiMera would be way out of his comfort zone and he’s been dealing with a lot lately. Philip comments that she and Theo have gotten pretty close. Gabi responds that they have as friends. Gabi decides that’s enough talk about Theo and suggests they get back to business. Philip responds that he’s bored with business at the moment and wants a little pleasure as they kiss.

Theo talks to Lexie about his worries of how this happened but guesses they’ll never know unless she comes back and tells them. Theo talks about having a hard time believing this is real because she’s been such a memory and he’s missed her so much. Theo then sees Lexie’s hand move.

EJ tells Chad that whatever feelings he once had for Abigail are long gone and he only feels sorrow that Chad lost the love of his life and that his children are growing up without their mother. Chad says he’s trying to believe that and asks who the pod was for if it wasn’t Abigail. EJ argues that there was no evidence that there was anyone in there and claims it’s nothing more than an experiment in progress. Chad remarks that EJ is becoming more and more like Stefano every day. EJ responds that just like Stefano, he loves Chad with all his heart. EJ adds that Stefano knew Chad was the best of them and always will be. Chad tells EJ to take care of himself as he exits. EJ then shuts the door and pours a drink. Theo emerges from the tunnels and tells EJ that Lexie’s arm moved and he knows it was intentional. EJ excitedly says they need to alert Dr. Rolf for a thorough assessment because he said purposeful movement is the first sign which means Lexie is finding her way back to them and reaching for life.

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Days Short Recap Tuesday, May 5, 2026

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Recap written by Michele and Cheryl

Alex got a message confirming that Kelsey is his baby. Stephanie said they knew he was the father. Julie showed up to tell them that Jeremy left town. She thought Stephanie would have known why Jeremy left town. Stephanie said she knew why he left and asked Alex if he could leave them alone to talk. Alex left them alone. Stephanie told Julie what Jeremy did with Joy and the baby. She said Jeremy tried to ruin her marriage. Julie said she didn’t approve of what Jeremy did but it was better that Alex got to know his daughter. Stephanie agreed with her but thought it was bad timing. Julie said things in life tests love but the challenge made love stronger. She let Stephanie know that she went through the same thing. Alex ran into Joy at the pub. He told her about the test results. Alex said he knew she had a life in New York and wouldn’t ask her to stay, but he wanted to spend time with his daughter. Joy said she wanted him to spend time with his daughter too. She let him know that she didn’t have much of a life in New York. While they were talking, Joy told him she was staying in the Salem Inn. Alex said he wanted her to stay. Joy asked how Stephanie would feel. Alex said Stephanie would understand. He said there was a lot going on between him and Stephanie. Alex told Joy about the kidnapping. Joy said she shouldn’t have come to Salem. Alex told her he didn’t want her or the baby to leave.

While Philip and Gabi were in bed, she told him about Liam. She said she didn’t want Arianna to see him again. Philip told her it would be a mistake because Arianna would rebel against her. Gabi told him that he didn’t have kids. Philip was upset and turned his back on her in bed. Gabi apologized for what she said. He said he didn’t raise a teen but he remembered being a teen. Philip told her to put herself in Arianna’s position. He asked how she would feel if her mother tried to control her life. While they were talking, he said he thought Claire was his daughter. He told her he had a child. Philip told her about the child he and Mimi had through IVF. He said they gave the child up for adoption. Philip said he was never the child’s parent but he thought about him. He said he wondered what his son was up to. Gabi apologized for what she said to him and didn’t mean to hurt his feelings. Philip said she did hurt his feelings. At the town square, Holly, Tate, and Arianna looked for Sophia. Brady called Tate that they didn’t find Sophia. It was believed that Sophia was gone. Sophia’s backpack was found. It looked like Sophia jumped. Holly and Arianna were shocked. Arianna brought up the argument she had with Sophia. They wanted to know how Tate was doing. Tate blamed himself for what happened because Sophia wanted to be with him. Holly and Arianna comforted him. Jada brought Amy to the police station to tell her that the police were looking for Sophia. She told Amy that they found Sophia’s shoe and backpack with blood on it. Jada said they needed a hairbrush or toothbrush to prove it was Sophia’s DNA. Amy said she couldn’t understand how her daughter could do this. She blamed Holly for Sophia’s death. She told Jada about what Sophia went through. Amy asked if there was a chance that Sophia was still alive. Jada said there was always hope since they didn’t have a body. She told Amy that the evidence made the chance of Sophia being alive slim. Amy broke down in tears. Later on, Holly told Tate that Sophia did this to herself. Amy showed up and heard what she said. She blamed Holly for what happened to her daughter. Amy blamed Holly and Arianna for what happened to Sophia. Alex let Stephanie know that Joy was staying in Salem. Amy warned Holly and Arianna that she was going to make them pay for what they did to Sophia.

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Days Short Recap Wednesday, May 6, 2026

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Recap written by Michele and Cheryl

Marlena visited Johnny at the hospital. He confided in her about Chanel’s condition. Marlena tried to be supportive. Johnny became emotional. He reeled over Sophia committing suicide. Johnny wasn’t looking forward to talking to Trey about his birth mother, but he was thankful that he didn’t have to worry about her hurting his family. Chad found EJ at the hospital. EJ didn’t have any remorse for Sophia committing suicide since she tried to kill Johnny, Chad thought he was being cold about it. EJ thought Chad was upset because he thought he had Abby in the pod. Chad assured him that Theo told him that it wasn’t Abby in the pod. Roman went to the hospital to see Johnny. He thought it was possible that Kate set up what happened to him. Roman offered Johnny a place to stay since their apartment blew up unless EJ did it first. Johnny said that EJ didn’t do that. He assumed that Chanel wouldn’t want to live at the DiMera mansion. Roman agreed that was why EJ didn’t offer them a place to stay. Johnny thought he would be outed as CEO when Tony gets back in town for Stefano’s will reading. Theo met with Cat at the town square. They talked about the will reading. He wondered why she wanted to be there. Theo thought she was going above and beyond for EJ. Cat thought she could ask Theo questions that she couldn’t ask EJ, but she didn’t get anywhere with him. He left to meet with Marlena.

Theo talked to Marlena about his mother. He was concerned about how his mother would be when she woke up. Theo wondered if his mother was supposed to be with God instead of in Salem. A part of him wished that EJ didn’t try to bring his mother back. EJ woke Kristen up from her nightmare. Kristen had a nightmare about Sophia threatening to expose her for what she did. EJ let her know that he heard her talking about Sophia in her sleep. Kristen tried to cover, but EJ was onto her. He knew she was up to something. EJ wasn’t sure if she was paying him back for making her sacrifice Rachel’s freedom for Johnny’s. He smiled and warned her if something happened to his son, he knew who would be responsible for it.

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