Thursday - 6/6
SALEM UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL
Bill was finishing up his examination of Johnny. Sami stood nearby.
SAMI: So, how is he?
BILL: I have good news. Johnny, you’ll be able to go home this afternoon.
JOHNNY: Good.
SAMI: Oh, thank god! Does that mean his memory’s coming back soon?
BILL: That we still don’t know. As I’ve said before, it may come back soon, it may take a while, or it might not entirely come back.
JOHNNY: So I might not remember anything from the last three years?
BILL: It is highly unlikely that that will happen. I’ve seen a number of patients with head injuries over the years, most of them have regained some to all of their memories over time.
JOHNNY: Got it.
BILL: Now, a few things before I have Maxine get your discharge papers. For the first several days, I’d like you to take it easy. We were able to treat your injuries, but they were still severe, so no strenuous activity. That includes driving.
JOHNNY: Not like I did anything super crazy before.
BILL: Also, we’ve been keeping you on the B.R.A.T. diet while you’re here. I’d like you to continue to do that for the next few days, then slowly reintroduce foods starting at the weekend.
JOHNNY: Fair enough, I guess.
BILL: Now, you might find that you get dizzy easily or get headaches and mood swings for the first few days. If that happens, it’s normal, and just means you have to take it easy. However, if it continues after the first few days, come back and see me.
JOHNNY: Sure.
SAMI: What about his vision? You said earlier that it might be affected.
JOHNNY: Mom, I can see just fine!
BILL: Your mother has a point, though our tests didn’t show anything. That’s another thing you call or come see me about, if you have sudden changes in your sight, such as blurred vision or trouble seeing.
JOHNNY: Well, I have trouble with depth perception, but we already know what that’s from.
Johnny smirked. Sami looked less than amused.
BILL: Indeed. I meant new issues with your vision. It seems your sense of humor is still intact, though. You were quite lucky. Do you have any other questions?
JOHNNY: Nope.
BILL: Alright. I’ll have Maxine get your discharge papers together.
SAMI: Thank you.
Bill nodded and walked out.
SAMI: So, you get to come home. This is great news!
JOHNNY: Yeah. I’d like to go see Father once I’m out.
SAMI: No!
JOHNNY: Excuse me?
Sami attempted to soften her features.
SAMI: I mean…honey, you’re just getting out of the hospital. And Dr. Horton said you’re supposed to be resting.
JOHNNY: It’s not like I’m gonna be running around the Mansion like when I was five! I just wanna see the guy!
SAMI: I just don’t think that it’s a good idea right now.
JOHNNY: Well, even though I don’t remember turning it, I’m 20 now, so I can go by myself if I have to.
SAMI: You heard Dr. Horton, you’re not able to drive.
JOHNNY: Of course I heard him. I’ll call Father and have him have Bart come and get me, then.
SAMI: Would you please…
She took a deep breath.
SAMI: Can you just come home with me first? Please? Just so we can get all your stuff home.
Johnny sighed.
JOHNNY: Fine, whatever. But I think you’re making a big deal about nothing.
SALEM ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Ari and her friend Liv were clearing out their desks. It was the last day of the school year.
ARI: I can’t believe this is over.
LIV: Yep. Next year we’re on to Salem Junior High.
ARI: I know! And before that, we have summer camp!
LIV: Camp Walden! Can’t wait!
ARI: Me too!
LIV: Plus, this means we’ll have plenty of opportunities to scope out that house.
ARI: And figure out more about Fannie Merritt, the boy in the picture, and why the house is abandoned.
LIV: Exactly!
Liv and Ari high-fived.
ARI: This is gonna be a great summer!
BRADY PUB
MAX: So you’re for real staying?
FRANKIE: We are for real staying, yes. Jen and I have both missed this place, and after the last time we figured, Jen loves running the paper, people everywhere need lawyers-
MAX: Especially in Salem.
Frankie and Max chuckled.
FRANKIE: That’s a little too true. You’re right, though. Anyway, like I said, we’ve both missed this place. Being here feels like home. We’ll have to take a couple trips back to D.C., sell the house, move all our stuff, that kinda thing.
MAX: Makes sense.
FRANKI: But once we’re done with that, we’re back.
MAX: That’s awesome, bro! It’ll be great to have you back around here!
O’HARE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT - CHICAGO
Julie, Hope and Aiden, Ciara and Trix, Claire and Chase, Shawn-D and Belle, David and Carly, and Scotty and Billie, among others, had all gotten to the gate around the same time.
JULIE: Well, here we all are.
DAVID: Yep. Once we’re on the plane, it’ll be just over eight hours until we’re in France.
BELLE: Mm, we had some good times in France, didn’t we?
SHAWN-D: Sure did.
Shawn-D and Belle kissed.
CLAIRE: I’m so excited to see everything!
The person over the P.A. called for passengers to board the flight to Paris.
HOPE: Here we go!
DIMERA MANSION
E.J. took a drink of his cup of tea. His phone rang.
E.J.: E.J. DiMera.
He smiled.
E.J.: How wonderful. Yes, of course, it will be taken care of. I’ll be seeing you soon. Bye.
He hung up the phone, then stood up and turned to look at the portrait of Stefano.
E.J.: A second chance. I have been given a second chance, Father. This time, I shall make sure that Johnny remains on the correct course. You shall get your grandchild back. Salud.
He raised his cup and took a long drink from it.