"How very thoughtful of you. Your consideration of others in this time of need is touching." The optimism in his tone could easily come off as patronizing.

This is enough for him to look at the stranger and notice the curiosity of their wagging tail. "Though if you are indeed not on "Terra" anymore, perhaps you should consider that such an affliction may not mean much to the uninitiated. Pray, what could one expect out of this 'infection' of yours?"