Problem: Continue the following story.

I was able to read more articles than stories because the 
Here's how I want to continue it: articles were shorter in length.

Problem: Continue the following story.

Kayla asked Tanya what kind of diet she was on, because 
Here's how I want to continue it: Tanya had lost some weight.

Problem: Continue the following story.

John's new phone would not fit inside his skinny jean pocket, the 
Here's how I want to continue it:
pocket was too narrow.