Terms of Endearment

In the upscale world of River Oaks, Houston, Aurora Greenway, a widow, has carefully cultivated a sense of control over her life, particularly in her relationship with her daughter Emma. Despite her own vulnerabilities, Aurora maintains a tight grip on their bond, frequently checking in by telephone to ensure their connection remains strong. Meanwhile, Emma longs to break free from her mother's grasp and forge her own path.

Emma's desire for independence is met when she marries Flap Horton, a callow young college professor, over her mother's objections. As they navigate their tumultuous relationship, punctuated by frequent spats and disagreements, Emma and Aurora's bond remains unbroken. The couple eventually relocates to Iowa, where Flap pursues his career as an English professor.

However, the marriage begins to fray under the strain of financial difficulties and the challenges of raising three young children. Emma's world is turned upside down when she meets Sam Burns at the grocery store, who pays for her groceries and sparks a friendship that blossoms into a passionate affair. Her suspicions about Flap's infidelity are confirmed when she catches him flirting with one of his students.

Meanwhile, Aurora finds herself reinvigorated by her whirlwind romance with Garrett Breedlove, a charming retired astronaut who lives next door. As Emma's world begins to unravel, she returns to Texas, where she discovers Flap's flirtation and decides to confront him directly. In the aftermath, Flap reveals his intention to take a promotion in Nebraska, prompting Emma and their children to follow him.

As Emma's health begins to decline due to a terminal cancer diagnosis, Aurora and Flap rally around her, providing emotional support as she undergoes treatment and hospitalization. Garrett reappears on the scene, offering his love and companionship to Aurora during this difficult time. In a poignant moment of selfless devotion, Emma entrusts her children's care to her mother, solidifying their bond in the face of mortality.