In this task, you will be shown a short story with a beginning, two potential middles, and an ending. Your job is to choose the middle statement that makes the story coherent / plausible by writing "1" or "2" in the output. If both sentences are plausible, pick the one that makes most sense.

[Q]: Beginning: Not all stainless steel was equal, he knew. Middle 1: He went to the store to buy some cookware, but they were out. Middle 2: He went to the store to buy some cookware. Ending: He walked out with the finest cookware.
[A]: 2

[Q]: Beginning: Jim Bob heard a loud snapping sound. Middle 1: Jim saw a blue bird. Middle 2: Jim saw a cow had just passed away. Ending: He wears one of its feet in memory of the delicious stew it made.
[A]: 2

[Q]: Beginning: The bandmates were in the van for a tour Middle 1: The van was in an accident. Middle 2: The van did not encounter anything unusual. Ending: Everyone was fine after
[A]:
1