On the Tuesday, June 16, 2026, episode of Days of our Lives, Stephanie sought counseling, Alex sought advice, Holly made progress, and Brady and Sarah made a plan.
Regrets, She Has a Few
Before Stephanie’s session with Marlena, Stephanie confided to Kayla that she was worried about the blowback to the hospital if the press learned about the incident with Joy. Kayla admitted that she was pleased that the board had censured EJ and told Stephanie about Gwen’s interest in running the hospital.
Alex went to the pub to check on Joy, but she was not there. Kate confirmed that Joy had left for the park with Kelsey. Kate noted that the press could learn about the shooting and added that there was no such thing as bad publicity for Stephanie’s book. Alex winced at the idea, but Kate argued that their company needed a boost to survive. Alex told Kate that he was surprised she had agreed to drop the lawsuit. Kate admitted it was not her choice and she had concocted the idea to take advantage of Johnny and set him up for a plagiarism lawsuit.
“What the hell were you thinking?” Alex asked. Kate stressed that she cared about saving Titan, and she was not proud of what she had done. Kate noted that Xander was attempting to apologize to Johnny personally, but that he had not reached him yet. Alex pointed out that no matter how many times Kate apologized, it would never be enough for DiMera Enterprises.
Outside the pub, Marlena ran into Roman on her way to the hospital. Roman admitted that he was waiting for a food delivery outside because he was avoiding Kate. Roman told Marlena that he could not trust Kate or be around her. Marlena told Roman that she hoped he worked things out with Kate.
Off to Smith Island
At the hospital, Holly told Sarah about her session with Dr. Fuller and confirmed that the doctor had prescribed an antidepressant. Holly agreed to take the prescription, despite her misgivings. When Holly thanked Sarah again for letting her and Ari go to the Horton cabin, Sarah asked her not to drink because of the meds. Holly agreed.
In the square, Tate talked to Brady about his plans to fish with Aaron on Smith Island. Not fooled, Brady explained that he knew about Holly and Ari’s girls trip to the island. Brady agreed not to tell Sarah. Tate promised to be responsible.
Out on Smith Island, Aaron and Ari unpacked groceries. Aaron was disappointed that there was no TV and poor cell service. Ari pulled out a bottle of liquor and noted that they could keep busy. Ari and Aaron were sipping drinks and talking when Holly and Tate arrived. Holly declined to drink because of her meds, but Tate joined Aaron and Ari. As Holly and Tate started to make out in the corner, Ari thanked Aaron for joining them so that she was not alone.
Tate commented on Holly’s good mood. Holly said she was feeling better. Ari suggested they go swimming and the group agreed. After their swim, the group returned to the cabin. When Holly and Tate started to make out again, Ari and Aaron loudly announced that they were going out kayaking. With a giggle, Holly lead Tate into the bedroom.
Bad Choices and Consequences
When Brady arrived at the hospital to meet with Sarah, he ran into Stephanie. Stephanie told him that she could no longer go to the shooting range with him, because she had given up her gun. Stephanie said that she was opting to take self-defense classes with Tate instead. Brady suggested they take classes together and Stephanie agreed.
Stephanie met up with Marlena for her counseling session. Stephanie confirmed that she no longer had a gun, and that she did not believe she was emotionally stable enough to be out in the world. Marlena disagreed. Marlena pointed out that Stephanie was working and going to therapy. With a shake of her head, Stephanie said that after the shooting, she questioned her judgment. Stephanie asked Marlena why she made bad choices. Marlena suggested that Stephanie’s kidnapping as a child and the disappearance of Steve in her early childhood could have profoundly affected Stephanie.
Marlena suggested that they work on Stephanie’s insecurities. “You were hurt. You were traumatized. It doesn’t change the fact that you are amazing, lovely. You are brave. And you are loved. You will make it through this,” Marlena said.
Down the hallway, Alex talked to Kayla about the deal he had made with Joy. Alex explained that Joy did not want Stephanie to be around Kelsey because she believed that Stephanie was unstable. Kayla said that although she and Alex knew better, she understood why Joy would be afraid of Stephanie after the shooting. After the counseling session, Stephanie ran into Alex and Kayla in the hallway and Alex offered to walk her home.
As Alex and Stephanie walked through the square, Stephanie told him that Marlena had helped her talk about her shame over the shooting. Stephanie noted that she was amazed that Joy was being so understanding. With a sigh, Alex told Stepanie about the deal he had made with Joy to keep Stephanie away from Kelsey. Stephanie apologized and Alex told her everything would be fine.
Asking Questions
At the hospital, Sarah talked to Marlena about Sarah’s patient, Destiny. Kayla assured Sarah that she had followed correct protocol. “Then why does it feel so wrong?” Sarah asked. Kate interrupted and asked Marlena if they could talk privately. In Marlena’s office, Kate asked Marlena if she had badmouthed her to Roman. Marlena said her conversation with Roman had been about Johnny, not Kate. Kate admitted that she regretted her actions. Marlena said that she had told Roman that she hoped his marriage would survive the lawsuit.
After Brady located Sarah, they went to the pub to talk about Destiny’s case. Sarah confirmed that Destiny had low levels of a substance that had also been in her sister’s system when she had died. Sarah noted there was nothing else in the report to indicate a cause of death, but she believed it was the same thing that had killed Destiny’s sister. Sarah told Brady about the pills Destiny had taken from her medicine cabinet, and that she had reached out to the local medical community to learn about similar cases.
Brady said he had found Liam in nearby Brookville and that Liam had a lot of new money. Brady felt that it was suspicious and was wary of allowing Sarah to question Liam alone, so he insisted on going with her. When Sarah mentioned the drug that had been found in Destiny’s system, Brady looked it up online. Brady confirmed that DiMera Pharmaceuticals was one of the manufacturers of the drug.
Is Joy right for keeping Stephanie away from Kelsey? Should Roman forgive Kate? Let us know what you think in the comments.
Edited by Hope Campbell