Story needs to be completed:
The surface of the table was smooth compared to the bench, because the

My choice:
table had been sanded.

Story needs to be completed:
He lit a candle in his bedroom to cover the smell of dirty laundry; the

My choice:
dirty laundry smelled disgusting.

Story needs to be completed:
Cynthia's hair was dyed at the salon by Kayla, so

My choice:
Kayla is likely the stylist.

Story needs to be completed:
Kathy didn't play the horn but chose the piano instead because the

My choice:
piano made much less noise.