As the second chapter of "The Listeners" unfolds, Omar (portrayed by Amr Waked) unveils the intricacies of their group to Claire (Rebecca Hall). Seema (Shreya M. Patel) chimes in, revealing she has been tuning into the enigmatic hum for roughly three months, a sentiment echoed by Tom (Ian Mercer) and Emily (Karen Henthorn). Damian (Samuel Edward-Cook) adds his voice, stating he's been privy to it for about a year, while Jo ( Gayle Rankin) shares that her auditory companionship with the hum spans five long years. Omar, however, stands as a veteran, his ears attuned to the frequency for decades. He clarifies that some members' paths diverged, finding the group's mission incompatible with their lives. Tom and Seema confess their desire for the incessant noise to cease, whereas Omar has come to terms with the hum, accepting it as a constant companion. Kyle (Ollie West) posits whether they now perceive the hum as something of value. Seema remarks that Omar's acceptance outpaces the rest, while Damian recounts how his battle against the hum took a toll on his mental well-being. Claire, eager for enlightenment, seeks deeper insights into the hum's origins.
Jo cautions patience, reminding everyone of the group's supportive essence. She emphasizes the need to coexist with the hum and perhaps uncover its latent benefits. To cope, Jo introduces breathing exercises designed to mitigate the humming's impact. On their way back, Claire and Kyle converse about the group, Claire admitting the possibility of returning. At home, she regales Paul (Prasanna Puwanarajah) and Ashley (Mia Tharia) with tales of the meeting, revealing her discovery of the group through a Facebook page, noting seven other attendees. Claire stresses her honesty, finding solace in the camaraderie of shared affliction. Paul inquires about her intentions to revisit, to which Claire responds affirmatively. He suggests that Ashley and he accompany her.
Later, Claire consults Dr. Broodthaers (Kiruna Stamell), who speculates the hum might serve as a form of expression or outlet. Following a class, Claire approaches Kyle with a favor, their discussion weaving through the pages of a Georges Bataille book he is reading. She reveals Paul and Ashley's intention to attend the next meeting, prompting Kyle's concern about their potential persistence. He playfully seeks Claire's repayment for his accommodation.
Claire expresses gratitude to Omar for welcoming Paul and Ashley, to which Omar commends Paul's openness but stresses the group's exclusivity for those who hear the hum. At the meeting, Omar delves into the Schumann resonance, illustrating how lightning induces atmospheric humming. Jo elucidates that migrating animals navigate using this resonance. Amidst learning that Omar was once the director of the School of Geosciences at the University of Rosyth for 18 years, Tom contends the noise is novel, possibly industrial pollution. Teresa (Lucy Sheen) offers a contrary perspective, while Tom advocates for council intervention. Damian, with his nine-year stint in military intelligence, posits a grander conspiracy, hinting at the involvement of the deep state.
As Paul raises his voice, Damian expresses skepticism about his presence, arguing that he can't even perceive the haunting hum. Emily puzzles over why they can only detect this noise now, while Seema remains steadfast in her belief that there must be a rational explanation. The group decides to take a much-needed break.
Ashley dives into the digital realm to search for Omar, but her efforts yield no results. Jo inquiries Claire about Kyle's absence from their gathering, to which Ashley learns that Kyle Francis accompanied her mother. In a confidential moment, Claire reassures her daughter that they are merely striving to uncover the truth. Paul decides it's best to escort Ashley back home.
Later, in a private conversation, Jo confides in Ashley that Omar was her thesis supervisor and they shared a romantic relationship. Claire reveals to Ashley that Kyle is her student at Pirethorn Academy, preferring to keep this information under wraps. That evening, Claire discusses the meetings with Paul, who remains unconvinced. He emphasizes the fragility of those involved.
The following day, Claire heads to work, where she seeks a private conversation with Cassandra Franc Ashman. Unexpectedly, Claire is summoned to the head teacher's office. Siobhan confronts Claire, demanding to know what she's doing with Kyle, accusing her of meeting him outside of school hours and going on drives with him. Claire attempts to clarify the situation but learns that Ashley's message to Kyle, urging him to end his relationship with her mother, sparked these accusations. Kyle reveals to Ashley that he's facing similar scrutiny. Consequently, Claire is suspended pending a formal review that will determine her future at the school.
Paul reprimands Claire upon her return home, while she insists that her intentions were purely to assist Kyle, who, like them, can hear the mysterious hum. Ashley admits to Claire that she messaged Kyle out of fear for her well-being, unaware of the ripple effect it would cause. Rumors are now swirling, and Ashley braces herself for the consequences the next day.
Meanwhile, Kyle considers asking Tamsin for Claire's number. Claire is further interrogated about her actions. Eventually, Kyle calls Claire to recount his grueling interview and expresses his desire to see her. However, Claire firmly declines and ends the call abruptly.
She meticulously erases his chat histories, leaving no trace behind. Subsequently, Claire grapples with an incessant, low-frequency hum that echoes in her mind. Kyle attempts to reach her by phone, but his calls remain unanswered, hanging in the air like unspoken words. As dawn breaks the next day, Paul and Ashley depart once more, leaving behind a sense of unease. Claire receives an enigmatic letter, prompting her to call Jo before hurrying to meet her in person, fully aware that Paul will be less than pleased by her presence.
Jo confides in Claire, revealing that Paul has isolated her, severing her ties to any semblance of a support system. With her job loss weighing heavily, Claire feels she has nothing left to lose. Jo endeavors to guide her through meditation, aiming to uncover the source of the hum. Kyle joins them in this quest for inner peace. As they conclude their meditation, Omar offers a word of wisdom, hoping they are beginning to comprehend that the hum is not an adversary but a part of their journey.
Meanwhile, Paul discovers the word "pedo" spray-painted on his home, a grim reminder of the darkness lurking in their lives. Claire ignores a call from him, choosing instead to focus on the present. She expresses regret to Kyle for the events of the previous night, which he同样feels deeply about. Claire admits that Paul and Ashley remain in the dark about her current whereabouts. Kyle confides that surrendering to the hum, rather than fighting it, brought him an unexpected sense of calm. Jo muses that society has forgotten the art of listening, lost in the clamor of daily life.
Suddenly, Paul arrives at the doorstep, his presence tense and demanding. Claire steps outside to confront him, explaining that she sought support in this difficult time. Omar and Jo join her when Paul's raised voice reaches their ears. Paul's anger flares when he spots Kyle, prompting him to lunge forward. Damian intercepts him, making it clear that Paul is not welcome there. Elsewhere, Raina engages in a heartfelt conversation with Ashley, discussing the possibility of relocation.
Paul instructs Ashley to inform him of his absence for the night, leaving a desperate voicemail for her to return his call. As the tension mounts, Claire's nose begins to bleed, a vivid symbol of the underlying stress and turmoil that consumes them all.
