This episode of Days of Our Lives is an emotional rollercoaster of unexpected awakenings, heartfelt goodbyes, and devastating revelations—anchored by the looming tragedy of Aaron’s son and the delayed truth that could have changed everything.

As the day begins at the hospital, tensions run high. Dr. Kayla is visibly frustrated over EJ’s proposed budget, which she believes drastically undercuts essential staffing. Sarah, ever the selfless professional, offers to continue covering night shifts, noting she has no husband to come home to. This sets a melancholic tone—a reflection of how empty personal lives can sometimes be buried under work.

Kate arrives shortly afterward to inquire about Stephanie’s missing manuscript. But before the conversation can go far, a sudden emergency rushes both women into Philip’s hospital room. Panic ensues when they discover the police guard momentarily stepped away due to a coffee-induced illness. In that brief window, someone entered Philip’s room—and now, to everyone’s shock, Philip is awake.

He hasn’t said much yet, but when asked by his mother, Kate, if he can hear her, he finally responds weakly: “Mom, what is happening?” The room is flooded with relief, though suspicion begins to swirl around Xander, who happens to be standing nearby. Sarah demands to know why he’s there, and he insists he was simply checking in on his younger brother. Despite his explanation, Sarah and Kate force Xander out of the room.

Philip struggles to recall the attack and only describes it as feeling like he was “hit by a truck.” Sarah leaves to run tests, and Kate makes a quick call to Roman, updating him on the sudden change in Philip’s condition.

Back at home, Jack and Jennifer share a rare quiet moment. Jennifer gives Jack a birthday cupcake—a symbolic gesture filled with bittersweet emotions. Jack hasn’t celebrated his birthday since Abigail’s passing, but Jennifer gently reminds him that Abigail would want him to live fully. They share the cupcake, and Jennifer half-jokingly wishes never to hear the name “Cat Green” again.

Elsewhere, Alex prepares for Steve’s retirement party, nervously trying to impress Stephanie’s parents. Stephanie assures him that her mother is supportive, but her father, Steve, might still need some convincing. As a show of affection, the two share an intimate moment, helping calm Alex’s nerves.

Meanwhile, Steve is lost in a quiet memory at the kitchen table when a surprising vision interrupts his solitude. It’s Adrienne, his late sister, appearing in a dream. She tells him she’s only there for a short time, to deliver a message and offer emotional support. Steve is deeply moved and thanks her for watching over their family—especially over Jon, who recently passed. When he wakes up, Kayla returns home and assures him that her mother always said dreams are places where angels visit us. She encourages Steve to attend the family dinner despite his reluctance.

Back at the hospital, Jada questions Xander about his suspicious timing. She reveals that the guard’s illness conveniently occurred just as Xander arrived at the room. Though Xander insists he only wanted to visit Philip, Jada warns him not to leave town.

The retirement party finally gets underway, and Steve is met with a surprise celebration attended by Stephanie, Alex, Jack, Jennifer, and others. Emotional speeches follow, including one from Jack, who credits Steve’s unwavering love and sacrifice—like giving Jack a kidney—as the glue holding the family together. They connect with Trip, Wendy, and Joe via video call, highlighting how beloved Steve is by friends and family.

Jada makes a brief appearance, explaining she was attending to police matters involving Philip. The group reminisces about loved ones lost—Jon and Marcus Hunter in particular—before Steve is reminded how much he means to all of them. Though he had intended to retire, the outpouring of love and respect plants a seed of doubt.

Steve later receives a text from Kate, who heads to meet him. But Jack has one final request: he wants Steve to take on one last mission—help Jennifer recover Julie’s missing necklace. Steve agrees, even jokingly calling Bo Brady to join forces. Bo and Hope are in.

At the same time, Jennifer and Jack prepare to return to Boston. Jennifer lightheartedly declares this the “best un-retirement party ever.”

Meanwhile, Alex is trying to get on Steve’s good side, but Stephanie teases that Steve’s stern demeanor is just “his face.” They’re interrupted by Xander, who’s clearly on edge. Alex informs him that Philip is awake—something that could affect business interests. Xander shrugs it off and just wants a drink, but Alex hints that his cousin’s unease might stem from knowing he’s likely to be arrested again soon.

Finally, in a poignant end to the episode, Jack tells Jennifer his birthday wish: that they both visit Salem more often. She agrees.

Then comes a pivotal moment: Jada returns to Philip’s room, where Kate is keeping vigil. Jada gently asks Philip if his memory has improved. Slowly, Philip recalls the attack. His revelation stuns everyone—his attacker wasn’t Xander. It was someone else. The implications of this shift everything.

Steve and Kayla later share a quiet moment back home. Kayla admits she had been looking forward to Steve’s retirement but realizes now that she wouldn’t change a thing about their life. Steve credits everything—his redemption, his happiness, and even his survival—to Kayla’s unwavering love. They kiss deeply, closing the night with a beautiful montage of flashbacks from Steve’s decades in Salem.

But amidst all these joyous reunions, emotional dreams, and bittersweet farewells, one storyline overshadows them all—Aaron’s son. While the community is focused on Philip’s reawakening and Steve’s retirement, a tragic loss quietly shatters Aaron’s world. His young son dies, just moments before a truth that could have saved him is revealed.

What that truth is—whether it’s medical, personal, or something more sinister—remains unclear. But the timing is cruel, and the fallout from this loss promises to shake Salem to its core in the episodes to come.

Stay tuned for the next chapter.