In a deeply emotional episode of Days of Our Lives, Salem is rocked by tragic developments, heartfelt confessions, and life-altering decisions. The latest installment sees families on the brink, relationships tested, and futures hanging in the balance — all while love and hope continue to shine through the darkness.

The week’s drama kicks off at Paulina and Abe’s home, where Johnny stumbles upon Chanel surrounded by baby items, lost in a moment of joy and anticipation. Despite the sweet scene, Johnny’s smile doesn’t quite reach his eyes. Chanel is busy planning for their future — browsing baby gear and dreaming of a bigger home — but Johnny can’t shake his unease. She voices concerns about the adoption and wonders if Mrs. Choy might still have second thoughts, especially now that EJ is awake. Johnny, clearly still reeling from the news about his father, coldly confesses he wishes EJ were dead. This disturbs Chanel, who tries to redirect the conversation to a more hopeful subject: their future living arrangements.

Even as Chanel receives a celebratory text from Felicity and shares her excitement with Johnny, it’s clear the emotional weight is becoming too much for him. Chanel’s optimism about the adoption and her role as a mother stands in contrast to Johnny’s quiet dread. After she leaves to support Felicity, Johnny is left alone, staring at a tiny baby outfit, weighed down by fears he’s struggling to voice.

Elsewhere at Salem High, Sophia and Tate have their own moment of vulnerability. Sophia appears in high spirits, happy that her baby will be raised by loving parents. Tate tries to cheer her up by suggesting they turn prom night into her birthday celebration. When he asks her to be his date, Sophia declines, initially blaming it on not wanting to wear a maternity dress. But soon, she confesses a deeper fear — that Tate’s invitation is just a ploy to get back at Holly. Tate assures her that’s not the case and gently leaves the decision up to her.

Their conversation is interrupted when Chanel arrives, bringing flowers for both teens. Grateful and emotional, Chanel thanks them for trusting her and Johnny with their child. In turn, Sophia and Tate express how thankful they are, knowing their baby will grow up surrounded by love. It’s a tender moment, capped with Chanel hugging Sophia, overwhelmed with gratitude.

Later, Tate and Sophia return from Felicity’s ceremony. With a softer heart, Sophia finally agrees to go to prom with Tate, giving him a small smile. It’s a quiet yet meaningful step forward for the pair.

Back in Salem, Kayla and Steve return home, hoping to find solace in familiar surroundings. The happiness of their return is quickly interrupted when Kayla gets a call from Hope with terrifying news — Bo has developed a severe infection due to his ventilator, and his condition is rapidly declining. Doctors fear potential organ failure. As the group gathers at the Brady Pub, Kayla reveals the shocking details, and Steve desperately asks if there’s any way to help. Kayla recalls a doctor, Russell, who’s been working on an experimental treatment for sepsis — but the treatment is untested and unapproved. Despite the risks, the urgency of Bo’s condition might force them to consider unconventional solutions.

Amid the crisis, Roman tries to comfort Marina, but both are visibly shaken. When Johnny arrives and greets them warmly, their joy is short-lived. Marina gently probes into Johnny’s emotional state, aware of his struggles with EJ’s shooting and the unsettling truth about his own paternity. Johnny admits he still can’t forgive EJ and shockingly states the family might be better off if EJ were gone. Marina warns him about saying such things during an active investigation, especially considering the implications.

Johnny then confides that his strained relationship with EJ may be threatening the adoption. Mrs. Choy had doubts about EJ, and now Johnny believes he is the real problem. He’s unsure he’s ready to be a father and has yet to share these doubts with Chanel. Marina encourages him to be honest — silence will only cause more damage, especially to the baby who deserves two committed parents.

Taking her advice to heart, Johnny meets Chanel back at Paulina and Abe’s home. His serious demeanor instantly changes the mood. As he says they need to talk about the baby, Chanel’s face drops, sensing a difficult conversation ahead.

Meanwhile, Shawn reels from his own heartbreak. After a call from Hope, he tells Jada that Bo is dying. Overcome with guilt, he blames himself for Bo’s condition and opens up about their close bond — recalling memories of life on the houseboat, fishing trips, and lessons from a father he idolized. Jada offers comfort, sharing her story about her father, Marcus, who passed after a long illness. Though she was grateful for a chance to say goodbye, she still feels the sting of not fulfilling his wish for her to become a doctor. Her journey to Salem was motivated by the need to connect with his memory and find peace.

Jada suggests that Shawn lean on family now more than ever. He apologizes for monopolizing the conversation, but Jada reassures him there’s no better place she’d rather be. They decide to go for a walk, hoping a bit of fresh air might clear their minds.

Finally, in Hortontown Square, Kayla and Steve share a quiet moment, clinging to hope. Steve is certain Bo will pull through — after all, he’s cheated death before. Kayla agrees, though she’s still terrified of losing her brother. When they spot Jada and Shawn nearby, Kayla embraces her nephew, determined to face whatever comes next with her family by her side.

This episode of Days of Our Lives is a masterclass in emotion, weaving together love, guilt, and the power of family. As Salem’s residents brace for heartbreak and celebrate life’s fleeting joys, one thing is certain: they’ll weather the storm together.