DAYS SHOCK TWIST: Sarah CHOKES in Public — Xander’s Horror as Romantic Moment Turns Tragic

Johnny visits Xander in his Titan office, where he’s asked if he gave any more thought to working at the company. Xander wants a “respectable” DiMera, who doesn’t have bad blood with the Kiriakises.

Johnny gets to the point, wanting to know if he’s just being offered a job to get at his dad. If it is the reason, he’s even more interested. Xander won’t even tell him what the job would be, but Johnny’s intrigued enough to think on it.

Cat brings some pastries from Felicity and Sweet Bits for Chad in the square. He, in turn, tells her that her date with EJ is off… and with him is on! They’re friends and he’s saving her from a date with his brother. They can have a fun night together. Cat looks pleased as punch.

Just then, Johnny walks over and Chad stops him to tell him EJ is anxious to see him. Johnny is not at all ready to forgive his dad — yet — and yells that in Chad’s face.

More: Did Days just set up Chad’s replacement?

Abe Offers Chanel Advice

Abe (who just moved into a brand new apartment with Paulina in between scenes) comes out to find Chanel on the couch, where she admits she’s still struggling. Abe recounts how he and Lexie raised Isaac as their own son for two years before they had to turn him over to Bo and Hope. It hurt so much, but in time, they made it past and had a son of their own.

Chanel doesn’t think she and Johnny will have a miracle baby, or that they’ll heal their hearts. Johnny hurt her so much, and she doesn’t know if she can move past it. She’s worried Johnny “went off a cliff” around the time EJ was shot.

That gets Abe’s attention, so he asks if Chanel thinks Johnny shot EJ. Well… Things aren’t looking good. “What do I do?” Talk to him, Abe says. Sure, maybe. Chanel thanks Abe and leaves for work.

More: Could Johnny really have shot EJ?

EJ Complains About Doing Good

Kayla returns to her office to find EJ sitting smugly in her chair, wanting to discuss “unfinished business.” He wanted to give her the night to think over his offer. EJ insists that he’s giving her the opportunity to be a hero, but Kayla refuses to let the DiMeras take control of the Hortons’ legacy.

“I am going to own this hospital one way or another,” EJ growls and limps out. Sarah checks in with Kayla after EJ’s gone, asking her to keep an eye on one of her patients while she’s away. She’s a bit surprised to hear Dr. Russell is going to the conference in her place, but OK. Kayla also tells Sarah about EJ’s offer. “I told him to take a hike.”

Sarah’s shocked, which shocks Kayla. She likes the idea, despite the EJ of it all, but it’s Kayla’s call to make. At the same time, if EJ is interested in buying, others have to be out there, too.

More: See Greg Vaughan’s son at 18

Out at the nurse’s station, Marlena greets EJ, where he gripes about how hard it is doing something good. “How can I continue to change, evolve, if everyone is so skeptical that I’m even able to change?”

Marlena points out that he’s hurt so many people, so it’s understandable. He needs to give people a chance to come around. Eventually. “Most of them.” Belle believes he can change, so Marlena has hope, too. But that doesn’t mean she’s happy about them together.

He squeezed the very life out of Sami, she says, which EJ admits is indefensible. And she’s only agreed to talk to Johnny on his behalf for her grandson’s sake, not EJ’s. After a flashback to Johnny and the gun, EJ takes his leave.

EJ and Xander Have the Same Plan

EJ gets home to find Dr. Russell and tells him Kayla’s not budging. But even if they lost the battle, EJ insists, “we will win the war.” EJ bids the doc a good trip, and heads inside just before Xander calls. He has an offer for Dr. Russell. Keep his number, he’ll be in touch.

Sarah kisses Xander in greeting in the square, just as he hangs up. Everything’s set for their vacation. Sarah then casually mentions EJ’s trying to buy the hospital, which surprises Xander. He suggests they divide and conquer on their errands, sends her off and calls Alex to move on the hospital. Now.

Johnny meets with Marlena for breakfast in the pub, saying he spoke with Chanel briefly. Marlena tells him Chanel will need time to grieve and to know he’s there for her. And Johnny has to work on his own identity. “The only way you can do that is by talking to your father.”

He’ll think about it. Marlena also suggests therapy — with someone who’s not his grandmother. He tells Marlena that he does have big decisions to make: Xander offered him a job at Titan. That shocks her, but Johnny muses that it’s time to get a real job. It might be time to be an adult and be a better husband to Chanel.

In the Show’s Final Moments

Kayla calls Steve telling him it’s time to move. She guides him through stealing the Versavix off-screen. “Just be careful. I love you.”

Cat and Chad decide on a date outdoors by the lake. Maybe with some wine. They tease each other a bit as they flirt.

Johnny thanks Marlena for the help and tells her to text him therapist names. They hug and are about to part when EJ enters. Marlena offers to stay, but Johnny sends her off to face his dad alone. EJ cautiously walks over as his son glares.

Sarah and Xander are back together in the square when Chanel wanders over, in her own world. She’s barely holding it together as they mention taking some family time this weekend, and she offers to get some scones. The happy couple agrees, utterly oblivious to her distress.

They eat their scones a short time later, but Sarah starts coughing and choking. Xander yells for someone to call 911 as she struggles to breathe.

(Which makes this idea sound a whole lot more plausible.)

More: Rafe’s not going anywhere

On the next Days of Our Lives, Kayla shoots EJ down and Marlena tries helping Johnny.

Well, this isn’t looking good. But our Sarah and Xander romance photo gallery below still is!