Six Weeks

Charlotte Dreyfus and her dying daughter Nicky form a sentimental friendship with California politician Patrick Dalton. They become involved in his campaign, and Nicky begins helping at the campaign office. This bond establishes the emotional core that drives the rest of the story.

Nicky decides to abandon further cancer treatments because of their painful side effects. She accepts that her illness will progress and chooses to live life fully through her bucket-list with her mother and Dalton. The decision raises the stakes for everyone involved.

Dalton grows increasingly attached to Charlotte and Nicky, which strains his relationship with his wife. Charlotte confronts him about having a second family and the toll it takes on their lives, adding tension to the evolving dynamic.

Over dinner, Dalton and Charlotte admit mutual romantic feelings but vow not to pursue them to protect his wife and son. They decide to preserve the family while continuing to support Nicky.

Charlotte takes Nicky on a trip to New York City as a break from Los Angeles and the complicated situation. Dalton, moved by the bond, races to the airport and secretly joins them for the Christmas holidays.

In New York, Nicky reads her bucket-list aloud to Dalton and expresses regret about not dancing in a major ballet company. Dalton uses his political influence to arrange a ballet tryout for her.

The Metropolitan Ballet director is skeptical but recognizes Nicky's potential and quickly sets up training and a quick rehearsal for a Nutcracker stand-in. This gives Nicky a real shot to perform.

Treating it as opening night, Dalton and Charlotte attend the rehearsal and final performance at Lincoln Center. The company stages the Nutcracker with Nicky stepping in as an understudy for Clara and the Prince.

Nicky delivers a triumphant performance in front of the rehearsal crowd and crosses another item off her list. The moment confirms her talent and brings a bittersweet sense of achievement.

On the way back to the hotel, Nicky mentions she has never ridden the NYC Subway, and the ride becomes a poignant moment. She suddenly experiences pain and collapses from leukemia complications, signaling the end.

Dalton and Charlotte rush to the hospital with Nicky, but she dies before reaching it. The loss devastates them and marks a tragic turning point in the story.

Dalton accompanies Charlotte to the airport, where she plans to mourn in a family vacation spot in France. She hesitates at the edge of the departure area but ultimately continues with her plan.

The epilogue shows Dalton's campaign was successful and includes a line where he tells Charlotte to write your Congressman. The memory of Nicky lingers, shaping his public life and the relationships formed during the weeks they shared.