"In the middle of things"

Some years back I bought a book* aimed at writers. This exercise is called "First Sentences: Beginning in the Middle." The objective is to come up with five sentences introducing a story "in the middle of things," and not worry at all about laying out the storyline, characters or plot. Here goes:

I

He slowly climbed up the stairs, not knowing what he would find once he opened the door to the hallway closet.

II

She hesitated for a moment before starting the car.

III

His girlfriend gave him a Valentine's day present - now he felt obligated to get her something in return.

IV

The street was closed and a "detour" sign was posted.

V

The possum slowly trudged its way down the driveway.

*Bernay, Anne and Painter, Pamela. What If? Writing Exercises for Fiction Writers. New York: HarperCollins Publishers, 1990.