Days of our Lives Recap, May 29: Belle refuses to press charges against Holly

On the Friday, May 29, 2026, Days of our Lives, Foster asked Julie a question, Holly asked for help, Belle talked to Amy about pressing charges, and Lani confided in Eli.

A return and an invite for Julie

At the bookstore, Lani looked through a collection of books about breast cancer. Worried, Julie asked if everything was okay. Lani skirted the truth and explained that a friend had been diagnosed with breast cancer. Lani assured Julie that she was healthy. Eli arrived, and Lani rushed into his arms to welcome him back to Salem. Lani teasingly complained about how Eli was a day early and had ruined his surprise party.

When Lani noted the twins were with Paulina, Eli said he could not believe that Paulina had walked away from Abe without a fight. Lani said that Paulina believed she had done the right thing for everyone. Lani called Paulina selfless. “That’s love. Pure and true,” Julie said.

After Lani and Eli left to enjoy time alone, Foster stopped by the bookstore to see Julie. Julie stepped aside to leave a voicemail for Marlena, and when she returned, she told Foster that it was the anniversary of John’s death. “First anniversaries can be really tough,” Foster agreed. Foster and Julie talked about how difficult it was after the loss of the loves of their lives. Foster explained that he had learned to like eating at restaurants since he had been on his own. Foster asked Julie to go to dinner with him and she accepted.

In the square, Lani told Eli that Chanel had breast cancer. As Lani started to tear up, Eli comforted her. Eli noted that it had been divine intervention that had guided them to move back to Salem, and Lani agreed.

No crime or punishment

Holly got advice from Sarah | Image: Peacock

At the police station, Belle met with Amy to discuss her desire to press charges against Holly for manslaughter. Amy argued that Sophia would not have ended her life if Holly had not bullied her. Belle informed Amy that police forensics had confirmed that the original post in the thread had been posted by Sophia.

“Why on earth would she do that?” Amy shouted. Belle suggested that Sophia either wanted to garner sympathy from classmates or provoke Holly. Belle added that because there were posts by multiple people, the police could not single out Holly for a case of bullying. Amy argued that Holly had made nasty comments to Sophia in person as well. Belle explained that they had investigated the case thoroughly, and there was no basis for charges.

When Amy insisted, Belle reminded Amy that if the case went to court, evidence of Sophia’s actions would be aired out publicly. Belle cited the vitamin switch, the sexting, and the attempt on Johnny’s life. Belle laid out the evidence that Sophia had been involved, and she noted that there was not enough evidence to charge Holly.

Amy argued that Belle was biased because of Rachel and Holly’s ties to her family. Belle stressed that she had consulted with her colleagues and they had agreed. Belle advised Amy to discuss the matter with other attorneys if she needed further assurance. Belle appealed to Amy as a mother with a daughter that had dealt with her own mental health issues. “Trying to pursue this case is only going to be painful for you and your family,” Belle said. “Not as painful as allowing my daughter’s death to go unanswered,” Amy countered.

At the hospital, Holly met with Sarah to talk about her anxiety over Sophia. Holly admitted that she felt both guilt about Sophia’s end and anger toward Amy who blamed Holly for Sophia’s death. Sarah encouraged Holly to talk to a psychiatrist, Dr. Fuller. When Holly worried aloud about taking pills like Sophia, Sarah stressed that medication was nothing to be ashamed of taking. Sarah told Holly that she was proud of her for asking for help. Holly said that regardless, she was hesitant to take any mediation after what Sophia had done to her. Sarah assured Holly that if Dr. Fuller prescribed anything, it would be the proper medication and dosage.

A painful anniversary

Marlena marked the anniversary of John's death | Image: Peacock

At the pub, Belle and Marlena marveled at how a year had passed since John had died. Belle told Marlena about a dream she had had about her father singing a lullaby to Claire, and how he had told Belle that he had never left her. “He’ll always be holding you the same way that he was holding Claire,” Marlena said through tears. Belle suggested they meet for a family dinner, and Marlena agreed.

Tate taught Brady self-defense moves at their apartment. Brady told Tate he was a good teacher, and he approved of his decision to pursue personal training as a job. Sarah interrupted the training to drop off pastries and tell Brady that she had been thinking of him. Brady asked about Xander, so Sarah confirmed that she and Xander had successfully been avoiding one another around the house. Brady invited Sarah to have dinner with him, but she declined because she needed to volunteer at the clinic. After accepting a raincheck, Sarah left. Tate told Brady that he was pleased to see his father happy for a change.

After breakfast with Belle, Marlena went to Brady’s apartment with Stefano’s chess set. Marlena explained that although she did not want the bequest, since it had been intended for John, she did not want to throw it away either. Brady agreed to find a home for it. Marlena and Brady talked about Rachel, and Brady admitted that he had not told Rachel about Sophia yet. Marlena advised Brady to be honest with her when they had the conversation.

Marlena asked about Holly, and Tate confirmed that Holly was an emotional wreck. Marlena offered to talk to her. Marlena made plans with Brady to meet up with Belle for a family dinner that night. When Brady was alone, he stared at a photo of his father and teared up. Brady had turned his attention to the chess set when Belle knocked on the door. Brady and Belle set up the chess board, and they realized that there was a pawn missing from the set.

Holly met up with Tate in the square, and she told Tate that she had talked to Sarah about talking to a psychiatrist. “I just need to work through what happened,” Holly said. Tate promised to be there for her.

In the cemetery, Marlena delivered flowers to John’s grave. Marlena noticed a penny on John’s grave, and she smiled. “You sent me a penny from heaven just to remind me that you will always be here,” Marlena whispered.

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