It's not a dream, no, but nobody's found a reliable way out yet.
[It doesn't seem wise to say how long it's been for him, let alone anyone else that's been here longer. Especially not to somebody concerned about their loved ones.]
I can tell you, at least, that there's people who have disappeared from here and then returned. The time back home stays still for them, no matter how much passes here. Your mother and your friends will be okay, I promise.
iii
[It doesn't seem wise to say how long it's been for him, let alone anyone else that's been here longer. Especially not to somebody concerned about their loved ones.]
I can tell you, at least, that there's people who have disappeared from here and then returned. The time back home stays still for them, no matter how much passes here. Your mother and your friends will be okay, I promise.