Three Alternatives

Rachel opened her bedroom door in a hurry, panicking when she didn't find Niels by her side. Apparently, the man was outside the room, sitting pensively on the sofa, intertwining his fingers and doing nothing. 

"Niels?" Rachel called softly, coming over to Niels and sitting next to him. "Where are you from? Were you out last night?"

Niels sighed, sounding really heavy. He didn't even turn around but took a few photos from his pocket.

"Oh, my God!"

Rachel suddenly covered her mouth in surprise when she saw a photo of a human in the tube. "Who's this...? Why are you..."

"She was my late mother."

Rachel was even more surprised. She couldn't even say anything. 

"All this time, I only know that my mother was cremated, and her ashes were in Old Landald."