Why couldn't the man and Sally attend the meeting?

The situation described indicates that the reason for not attending the meeting was due to Sally's health. If she wasn't well, this would directly prevent both her and the man from participating, as a person's health can significantly impact their ability to attend events. This choice aligns with the idea that personal circumstances, particularly health issues, can take precedence over scheduled commitments, making it a valid and plausible reason for their absence. In contexts like meetings, prioritizing one's well-being often necessitates not attending, especially if another participant is unwell.