Casual viewers of “Chicago Fire” may have been greatly alarmed by Kidd’s absence from some episodes of the 10th season. However, it turns out that there’s a plausible explanation for it. TV User Manual reported that she appeared to be traveling to help set up the “Girls on Fire” program. Kidd told the publication that the character is feeling some pressure and this is her way of coping. “She just loves what it feels like to be at home, doing Girls on Fire and being surrounded by women and really excelling at the project she started like her own.”
What about missed opportunities? take over for Matthew Casey (Jesse Spencer) as the leader of Truck 81? Mayo said to Parade that the character suddenly doubts himself. “I think she was a waste, she used to work, used to pursue something,” she explains. “And she realizes that if she continues this now, she really realizes what all that means. Especially at the age of 51. It’s not just that she becomes a lieutenant. Plus, there’s the title of lieutenant. Being a lieutenant in a company basically means that if something happens, it’s on you.”
That explains a few things, but what about Kidd’s relationship with Kelly Severide? Mayo also has an explanation for that.
https://www.thelist.com/748534/the-truth-about-stella-kidds-leave-of-absence-from-chicago-fire/ The truth about Stella Kidd’s absence from the Chicago fire