For "He lived a year in a minute" I think it means that all of a sudden he looks very old, is tired, or maybe time went by really fast? Like I said I am not 100% sure so don't take my word for it. Heck I am not 10% sure, more like I am 5% sure, 20% at the most. Sorry if I am wrong.
In order to find theme look for what the story is trying to teach you. You could also look for the life story the author included.
By saying that they are genuinely happy for his return
B. Indirect Object
That should be it