JJ’s surprised to see Theo in the square. Thankfully, he manages to resist shooting him this time. But Theo’s clearly uncomfortable with the badge and gun back on JJ’s hip. JJ obliviously starts asking questions. Theo says he left the company in Johannesburg, then coldly tells JJ he has to run.

Are ‘Shelle’ Heading for a Reunion?

As Belle and Shawn wrap up a case at the station, he reassures her that she’s not to blame for anything that’s happened lately. But that’s exactly what she’s doing. None of it’s her fault, Shawn insists. “Sometimes life is just complicated.” Amen.

Belle’s still beating herself up over EJ. Shawn’s the only man her heart’s ever chosen right. (That sounds promising for “Shelle” fans.) He agrees. They had a good thing, and have a great kid. About that…

Shawn assures Belle that Claire’s fine and madly in love with this new guy. She has been for ages since she was cheating on Theo with him. Oops. Like parents, like daughter. But Shawn insists they were great parents. This isn’t their fault. Either way, they vow to always be there for each other.

Theo Visits Abe and Paulina

At dinner with Abe, Paulina — those are some massive gemstones on her necklace! — toasts to putting Johnny and Chanel’s drama behind them. She also hates Kristen, but Abe’s just sad Rachel lost her mom. It’s a total buzzkill for Paulina.

On steadier ground, Abe’s signed up for literacy tutoring to help students. Paulina deftly pivots that into flirting, so they head home, only to be interrupted by Theo at the door, much to their delight!

More: Meet the new Theo!

Theo says he needed a change after breaking up with Claire — especially since he learned she cheated on him. For a long time. He got out of their nonprofit and may be back for good. Possibly. No mention of Tony… Theo gets a tour of the new digs, then Paulina strongarms him into staying there instead of the Salem Inn.

Julie Forges Her Own Path

Julie gets home with Maggie after a grief support meeting, both sad Marlena didn’t join them. Maggie stays for tea and cake since the mansion’s empty without Holly, Xander and Victoria, Sarah’s long hospital hours and Bonnie and Justin visiting Mimi.

Julie gently asks Maggie to spend time tomorrow again, reminding her it’s the anniversary of Victor’s funeral. They’ll always be there for each other, she promises. Plus, it’s almost a year since Doug passed, too.

Unlike Maggie (said in the kindest way), she doesn’t want to move from Doug. She’ll be like Grandma Alice, carrying her love in her heart, and the bookstore will keep her in touch with Salem.

Will Steve Out Gabi?

Stephanie ambushes her dad with questions in her apartment demanding to know why Steve didn’t drop the Titan/DiMera investigation. Steve insists he did, but Stephanie blames him for the listening device. “I’m too smart to do something like that!” (Wait, listening devices are “rookie” moves? Someone tell the FBI.)

More: EJ’s true feelings towards Stefano

Stephanie backs down with an apology, but doesn’t think this is all a coincidence. His client must have planted the bug! So… who was it? That’s a bridge too far for Steve. He offers himself as a scapegoat to save Alex’s job, but he’s not breaking spy/patient confidentiality. Or something along those lines.

Marlena Admits She’s Losing Herself

Kayla meets Marlena at the pub and tells her about EJ’s shocking Tom Horton free clinic benevolence. They have trouble believing it. Marlena then admits that she’s exhausted, not sleeping, still having nightmares and worried about Tate, Belle and Rachel.

She’s overwhelmed and still grieving. Kayla tries asking what’s going on. “I don’t know who I am anymore,” Marlena tearfully admits. But Steve shows up before she can stammer an explanation.

They catch him up on Kristen’s sentencing, talk a bit about poor Rachel, then Tate at college, and Marlena calls it a night. Left alone, Steve fills Kayla in on the misunderstanding with Stephanie. Their daughter, he says, “has a difficult decision to make.”

Why Is Theo Upset With JJ?

Said daughter meets JJ at The Bistro for his birthday where he drops the bomb that Theo’s in town — and was acting weird with him. Distant. (I know ‘Joburg’ is a slang name for Johannesburg, but can everyone please just say the name instead of acting like they all hang out there?)

More: American Idol’s big return next season

They move on to Jack and Jennifer and JJ being thrilled they’re flying out tomorrow — they’re smothering him. But he shouldn’t complain that they love him too much. Stephanie gets it, then vents about feeling caught between Steve and Alex.

In the Show’s Final Moments

We end with a montage, as Belle and Marlena happily greet each other in the square and head home together. Maggie gets home, smiling at pictures of Victor and Mickey. She plants a kiss on Victor and hugs his photo. And finally, Julie puts her book down, smiles at Doug’s photo, then picks it up to dance with him and hold him close.

Next on Days of Our Lives, Tate gives Brady a clue. Find out what’s next with our Thursday preview gallery below.