The context of the following conversation is Robin has been sick in the ER and Alex has been right there by her side but he had to leave to go to work.:
Robin says I am so thankful for Alex he was there for me the entire time while I was in the ER.
The friend responds Alex seems to be a great friend.
Robin responds Yes, he surely is.
The friend responds Did he stay the entire time or did he have to leave.
Robin responds No he stayed there until he had to leave to go to work..
The friend responds People like Alex are rare these days.