[Sophie frowns, her expression sympathetic. in fact, she knows exactly how he's feeling] Then you'll be relieved to hear that, through a sort of magic I can't explain--or perhaps it's science. I never can tell. In any case, as long as you are in this town, time doesn't pass where you've come from. So when you leave here, things will be just as you left them. So no, worrying truly is useless.

[she nods, smiling back] And it's nice to meet you as well, Lafra. I do understand your concern. My son... [but she stops, shaking her head] Well, I suppose it's simplest to say, I'm in a hurry to return home myself.