Eunice

Phillip arrives home with news that he has a chance to move to New York City to pursue writing. Thelma frets about her son's sudden departure and the family worries about the future. A heated argument on the Harper family porch ends with Eunice breaking up with Ed and heading to the party.

Ed storms off, and the couple's relationship ends that night. Eunice makes the split final and decides to attend the party on her own. The night carries a sense that life in the family will never be the same.

Ed and Eunice are now married and have two sons, Billy and Bubba. Phillip visits from New York and is a bestselling author whose historical novel has attracted a film proposal. Eunice, who dreams of becoming an actress, expresses a desire to join Phillip in the film.

Thelma longs to visit Carl's grave, having been without him for years. The prospect brings a moment of reflection amid the family's ongoing changes.

Eunice reiterates her wish to pursue acting and to go with Phillip to Los Angeles for his film project. The idea underscores the tension between her dreams and the secure life she already has at home.

Ed and Eunice have separated and are officially divorced. Phillip has won the Pulitzer Prize and is visiting from Los Angeles. He plans to write a screenplay for a new film, while Eunice still longs for a part in it.

Bubba, Eunice's son, has been missing for almost a year, triggering frantic concern. Eunice demands to know his whereabouts, reflecting the depth of the family's turmoil.

Thelma's funeral brings Eunice, Phillip, and Ellen back to the family home. Ed arrives to offer condolences and hints at reconciliation, but reveals he has remarried.

Ed tries to reconcile with Eunice and mentions a potential business connection by asking Phillip to invest in his hardware venture. Eunice begins to entertain cautious hope, but the moment is strained by underlying tensions.

In Thelma's bedroom, Phillip bluntly tells Eunice that the only thing standing in the way of her life is herself. His words land hard, revealing the truth behind her longing and the limits she places on herself.

Phillip convinces Eunice to spontaneously accompany him to Los Angeles to pursue her acting dreams. She accepts with excitement, envisioning a fresh start and a life she has long wanted.

As Eunice shares her plan with Aunt Ina, Ina speaks of Eunice's sore back and implies that the dream may not be as easily realized as it seems. The warning adds a note of doubt to Eunice's hopeful plan.