Problem: Continue the following story.

it will take them the whole of tomorrow to sort the short sticks, the long ones lasted a few hours only, the 
Here's how I want to continue it: short ones are imperceptible .

Problem: Continue the following story.

The teacher was sad that Mary didn't have any skill as opposed to Katrina, due to 
Here's how I want to continue it: Mary being inattentive.

Problem: Continue the following story.

Betty told quite a yarn to Erin, although 
Here's how I want to continue it:
Betty didn't really know anything about the situation at all.