We weren’t, we’ll admit, really expecting Eric to leave with Nicole. As much as we’ve known Arianne Zucker would be exiting Days of Our Lives, it had seemed like the show would surely write a way for Eric to stay behind. But then everything just started falling into place for “Ericole,” and it seemed like there would be no way forward without sending them both off into the sunset with Jude.

And that’s exactly what happened. Yesterday, the two left for Paris to start a new family. (If you missed it, catch up with the recap here.) As we mentioned, a show source has assured us this won’t be the last we’ll see of Eric. But it’s too early to say what exactly that means.

Over on his Instagram, Greg Vaughan shared a series of stories, the final of which was simply a black screen with text. “I didn’t leave by choice,” it read. “I never had a choice.” And following those words was a broken heart emoji.

Vaughan’s last story post certainly makes it seem that it may not be a permanent return. On the one hand, if it was, it would undercut the happy ending Nicole and Eric finally got. On the other hand, it seems such a shame to lose two characters so integral to the show’s canvas in one blow.

Deidre Hall (Marlena) shared a farewell post for her TV son on her own Instagram, writing, that it was a “Sad day, saying goodbye to this kind, caring beautiful man. It was a delight to get to know him well in our time together. In addition to his many gifts, I found his profound commitment and devotion to his family the most endearing.”

Robert Scott Wilson (Alex) shared a digital toast in the comments to, “Two of the best ever,” while Martha Madison (ex-Belle) responded simply “Well said,” to her TV mom and half-brother.

And fans, while touched, mentioned that they’d have loved to see Eric raise Jude and build his own family, and that they hoped his exit wouldn’t be permanent. There’s no telling what the future holds, but this isn’t Vaughan’s first farewell as Eric. He came back before and stuck around, so don’t be surprised if he does it again. (Though hopefully not to perform another exorcism this time!)