OP, if you go through with a cross country journey to get this fellow back to where he wants to go, then you are a great man. Don't let the naysayers get you down. Sometimes you just have to do what is in your heart and if the idiots cannot figure that out then they need to reevaluate their moral compass.

Hope the ride is a wonderful journey. Don't hit the gas pedal too hard. Slow down and enjoy the scenery God has placed in front of you. Maybe this will help your passenger, too. Don't take all interstate highways. Get off the main roads and take seldom traveled secondary roads. Lots and lots of great scenery to take advantage of.

Good journeys my friend. Keep safe and have a wonder experience.