Story needs to be completed:
Before traveling, John checked the brakes in the car, but didn't need to check the belts, because the

My choice:
belts had been running well.

Story needs to be completed:
Maria's goals were much steadier than Monica's because

My choice:
Maria liked to plan their actions out.

Story needs to be completed:
Cynthia can't live their life as freely as Mary can because

My choice:
Mary doesn't want to be a politician when they grow up.

Story needs to be completed:
Jason owed back taxes and would not answer the phone when Brett called, because

My choice:
Jason was avoiding the IRS.