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Belle drops into EJ’s office to get Kristen out of prison. EJ’s onboard and, after some hemming and hawing, signs a document agreeing to his sister recanting and Rachel getting treatment.

That taken care of, EJ apologizes for how he treated her and feels out how she reacted to learning he vanished and Belle just tells him that despite her problems with him, she doesn’t want him dead. Well, that’s a win for him! At least according to his smirk.

Will Kristen Be Released?

Brady visits Kristen in her hospital room, determined to get her free to motivate Rachel to get better. But Kristen’s still in shock over the whole, “My brother tried to kill my family” thing. Please, that’s a day ending in “y” for the DiMeras.

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Kristen worries Rachel’s life will be ruined once this gets out and everyone judges her. Brady promises that he and Belle are making sure this never gets out, then Melinda drops in, hired by Brady to represent Kristen. Belle perks up their spirits when she comes in with EJ’s signed document. Kristen signs her recanting and, that taken care, of Belle and Melinda head out. Now, on to Peter!

What Is Sophia’s Plan?

Rachel sneaks into Sophia’s room to talk about New Year’s and Christmas with her family. That’s nice, but Sophia’s never ever going back home again. Her parents fight, her mom has unreasonable expectations and her little brothers (did we know she had multiple??) have each other.

She’s gonna leave Salem for good — after taking care of some unfinished business. Welp, that’s not great for Johnny and Chanel… First up, though, another “adventure” together. But she’ll have to wait and see what Sophia has planned next. Always good to have something to look forward to!

Just as Rachel leaves, Melinda shows up to apologize for how things went with the baby. She thought Sophia might want some company over the holidays. Sophia just looks at her uncertainly until Melinda hugs her, then she lets herself cry.

What Will the DiMeras Do?

Cat and Chad quite literally run into each other in front of the nurses’ station, spilling her files all over the floor. It would be a nice meet cute if they hadn’t already, you know, met. She just tells him to run off, though.

EJ finds her sorting and says that hopefully the Deverauxs will be backing off Chad soon (for the love of God, please, yes), so she doesn’t have to freak out every time they get near each other. Cat sticks up for Jennifer more than we need her to, and EJ’s judgy sniping is kind of spot on for once.

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Tony and Chad drop in on EJ’s office next to talk over Peter. Chad’s against pulling the plug. EJ wants him gone. “DiMeras tend to rise from the ashes to finish what they started.” (Well, yeah, and that applies to death, too, so maybe a little kindness would work better than vengeance, EJ?) Tony just looks uncomfortable and says they should defer to Kristen. After his brothers leave, EJ gets a panicked call from Sydney.

Will Kristen Let Peter Die?

Kristen’s wheeled to Peter’s bedside, and apologizes to him in his coma. She’s so sorry for everything. But she couldn’t let the DiMeras die. “For better or for worse, I’m one of them. I am a DiMera through and through.” But Peter’s a Blake and she’ll always love him. It’s actually kind of heart-wrenching.

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Chad and Tony join her to see what she wants to do and promise they’re a family. Kristen, remembering the faith the Blakes instilled in their kids before Stefano, decides to “leave Peter’s fate in God’s hands.” He’d likely be in this state for the rest of his life, and she doesn’t think he’d want that. They should disconnect him and if he breathes on his own, it’s God’s plan. Tony hugs her as she breaks down.

Out in the reception area, EJ, shaken over Sydney’s call, tells Belle his daughter was having a panic attack after learning about the DiMera threat. She hasn’t been doing well and insists she sees EJ in person. So he’s going to visit her.

In the Show’s Final Moments

Cat sneaks into EJ’s office to try to find what Leo was looking for, but her spy skills are horrible and EJ walks in right away. Luckily, he’s preoccupied by Sydney and needs her to hold down the fort while he’s gone.

Chad joins them, summoned by EJ, and Cat runs off again. EJ fills his brother in on his trip. He’s arranged for Melinda to represent him in mediation while he’s gone.

Alone again, Kristen urges Peter to keep fighting. She wants him to live! So on to the unplugging!