Episode 2 of "Before" kicks off with Eli engrossed in contemplation, pondering the enigmatic significance of the farmhouse. In a moment that feels surreal, Eli responds to Noah in Dutch, vowing to assist him while simultaneously plunging a blade into our protagonist's neck. However, this harrowing scene is revealed to be merely a vision, as Noah, in reality, has no history of speaking Dutch and, lying in bed, utters the innocent phrase, "I wanna go home" in English.
Eli remains unconvinced by the fantastical nature of the vision and becomes determined to uncover the truth, suggesting comprehensive bloodwork to unravel the mystery. But Noah's condition prevents him from leaving the hospital, particularly since the child he accidentally stabbed with a pencil has lost considerable blood and requires constant monitoring. This situation sets Eli on edge, evoking visions of a bathtub overflowing with blood, causing him to faint.
Eli's daughter, Barb, arrives in a distressed state, having witnessed the chaotic aftermath of Eli's temper tantrum from the previous episode. The scene, coupled with the traces of blood, gives it the appearance of an attack. Eli swiftly dispels the misunderstanding, but Barb has seen this volatile side of Eli before and apologizes for her heightened anxiety. Since Lynn's passing, Barb has been on edge, and Eli's refusal to discuss her demise exacerbates the tension.
Eli eventually proceeds to check on Noah, who is scheduled for an MRI. Unfortunately, Noah experiences terrifying visions during the scan—leeches burrowing into his skin. Eli promptly halts the procedure, realizing that something unusual is affecting Noah. Yet, the MRI results reveal nothing abnormal.
It seems that Noah's issues are psychological rather than physical, aside from an unusually shaped birthmark. Back at home, Eli finds himself distracted by Sue Allen, a realtor who has come to discuss putting the house on the market. Clearly not in the mood, Eli brushes her off and delegates the task to Barb.
Meanwhile, Eli engages in a heartfelt conversation with Noah's foster mother, delving into the school attack and offering insights into Noah's心理状态. She remarks on his hauntingly pale complexion, likening it to one possessed by an unseen force at times. Intriguingly, during their discussion, Eli stumbles upon sketches in Noah's room—depicting a farmhouse, recurrent in every piece, alongside a bizarre, shadowy figure.
At the hospital, Eli confronts Noah about these findings, leading them to indulge in a chilling game of "madness." They stack blocks into a tower, each contributing while confessing the things that enrage them. Noah's turn reveals a disturbing insight: "People who hurt others." His demeanor instantly shifts, transitioning from calm to fierce anger. His fingers scrape the tabletop, eyes blazing with fury, as he glares at Eli and declares, "You know what you did." In a sudden, tumultuous outpouring, Noah echoes Eli's words, his screams piercing the air, leaving the episode on a dramatic cliffhanger.
