Chicago Fire fans were left stunned during the November 5 episode as Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo) announced she was taking a temporary leave from Firehouse 51, marking one of the season’s most emotional turns yet.

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Family Comes First for Stellaride

The episode centered on Stella and her husband Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney), who were asked to take temporary custody of Isaiah (Hero Hunter) after his mother, Shawna, was left comatose following a car accident.

While both firefighters tried to create a sense of stability for the teen, Isaiah’s growing distress over his mother’s care created mounting tension. He appeared at the firehouse unannounced, begging Stella to check on Shawna at St. John’s Hospital. Concerned, Stella agreed—and soon discovered Isaiah’s fears were justified.

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A Heartfelt Decision

Determined to do what’s best, Stella reached out to Chicago Med’s Sharon Goodwin (S. Epatha Merkerson), who helped arrange Shawna’s transfer to a top facility in Cleveland. Stella then made a selfless choice: she would accompany Isaiah and stay with him in Ohio while his mother continued recovery.

In a quiet, heartfelt moment, she revealed her plans to Severide and Firehouse 51 lieutenant Mouch (Christian Stolte), confirming that she would be taking a temporary leave of absence.

“It’s what’s best for Isaiah,” she said, holding back emotion as she hugged her team goodbye.

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Fans React to Stella’s Departure

Viewers quickly took to social media to share their heartbreak. One fan posted on X (formerly Twitter):

“STELLA IS LEAVING 😭😭😭 My heart can’t take it.”

Others expressed hope that her exit would only be short-term. With Chicago Fire heading into its winter break on November 20, many believe the timing of Stella’s departure was deliberately written to align with the hiatus, hinting at her likely return early next year.

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What Miranda Rae Mayo Says About Stella’s Future

Speaking to NBC Insider on November 4, Mayo explained that this storyline reflects Stella’s emotional growth—and her effort to connect more deeply with Isaiah, something she has struggled with all season.

“Stella is definitely feeling a little like, ‘OK, why? What am I doing wrong?’” Mayo said, admitting her character feels “jealous” of Severide’s natural bond with their foster son.

This new chapter, she added, allows Stella to “step into motherhood in a real way,” away from the chaos of Firehouse 51.

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A Pause, Not a Farewell

While Stella’s exit has left a void at the station, fans can rest assured — this isn’t goodbye. With Chicago Fire returning from its winter break in January 2026, sources hint that her storyline in Cleveland will pave the way for her eventual comeback, stronger and more centered than before.

Until then, Chicago Fire continues to prove that even heroes sometimes need to step back to protect what truly matters — family.