history: My wife and kid have been out of town for a week.  I am so bored being all by myself in this empty house. My wife and kid have been out of town for a week. I am so bored being all by myself in this empty house. Must be really lonely. You're not trying to go on a guys' night out or anything?
current: Yeah, it is, and no guys night for me.  I am trying to save money.  I just miss having them around!
next: That's really sweet! Maybe they miss you, too.