His cane rested beside the rocking chair, but the chair was empty.

I had expected our neighbors to celebrate the outcome in court.

Instead, my telephone began ringing before I finished breakfast.

Some people wanted to donate.

Others wanted to know whether Clarence had really stolen from the store.

A few thought a man his age should have been excused regardless of the circumstances.

One caller insisted Rebecca should have been punished for accepting the groceries, even though she had believed they were paid for.

I hung up on that one.