Problem: Continue the following story.

He had an incoming call during the meeting that he ignored because the 
Here's how I want to continue it: meeting was more important.

Problem: Continue the following story.

The tool that I got for my birthday didn't fit in my bag because the 
Here's how I want to continue it: bag was too small.

Problem: Continue the following story.

Joseph prepared the food in the frying pan while Nick did the dishes, and 
Here's how I want to continue it:
Nick washed the dishes thoroughly.