Thank you everyone for the wonderful (and hilarious!) suggestions. I was literally laughing out loud as I read them XD

And now, without further ado, the sega continues...

Adam was a levelheaded man, a reasonable man, a respectable man. He was the kind of man that people looked up to, admired, and just plain thought well of in general. Even Adam's brothers- in spite of themselves- could not help but idolize him.

But people change. Especially when they're plagued by a foreboding shadow that haunts their every step.

Adam's shadow was Superstition.

Much to everyone's surprise (and Adam's utter despair), the sweet natured feline had decided he was Adam's cat. And he made sure to show his devotion in every possible way a cat can. When he caught an unusually large rat, Adam was the first person he thought to deliver it to. His beloved master's shouts of approval when he found it tucked in his boot could be heard clear to Virginia City.

And Superstition was beside himself with joy whenever Adam woke with cries of delight at finding the devoted creature curled up beside him in the wee morning hours.

What started out as a hilarious string of events for Joe and Hoss (and even Ben, if he cared to admit it), turned into quite a nightmare as Adam began to express murderous thoughts about the dear pet of the family. In spite of Superstition's decided disinterest in them, Hoss and Joe had decided that he was the best cat they had ever had. The thought of Adam doing anything to harm the dear thing (not that he ever would!) caused them not a little worry.

They started making every effort to keep Superstition's acts of affection to the minimum. However, true love cannot be suppressed. Superstition proved that fact very well on a Sunday about three weeks after his arrival to the homestead.

It was the annual church picnic, and there was not an eligible bachelor in town who didn't have a date for the event. Of course, Adam was no exception, and in fact had the honor of being in the company of Maddie Anderson, arguably the prettiest young lady within a five hundred mile radius of the area.

Not even Superstition could ruin Adam's sunny disposition that morning as he straightened his tie for the hundredth and first time. His baritone humming resounded his joy. Not even Joe's teasing could dampen his spirits.

"I still think the only reason Maddie agreed to go with you is because she knew I was already taken," Joe said.

Adam smiled. "Be that as it may, Joe, I am going to enjoy her company anyway."

"Mew!" Superstition said when the four Cartwrights came out of the house.

Hoss knelt down and held out his hand. "Here kitty, kitty, kitty! I'll pet you, puss, puss."

The cat blinked at him disinterestedly before trotting after Adam.

Making a face, Hoss pouted. "Why does that danged cat like you more than he does me? You don't even like 'im!"

"It's 'cause of Adam's bad luck," Joe said, nudging Adam with his elbow as he pushed in front of him to get in the wagon first.

Adam just laughed and climbed in after Joe, followed by his father and middle brother.

Yes, all was right in the world. The birds were singing love songs, the air was sweet and clear, the sky was blue and the sun was shining... Adam leaned back. Could this day get anymore perfect? he thought with an audible sigh.

"Oh, Adam! Over here!" Maddie called in her lovely, musical voice as the Cartwrights pulled into the field where the picnic was being held.

She had already put out the blanket, and was sitting daintily atop it. She stood up when Adam approached, and ducked her head shyly. "It's nice to see you, Adam."

"Not nearly as nice as it is to see you, Maddie," Adam said, taking her hand and kissing it chivalrously.

Maddie giggled. "Oh, you're so sweet!"

They sat down, and Maddie started to unpack the food basket. She stopped a moment, sniffed, and pulled out a lace handkerchief to dab her nose, then continued.

"I hope you like egg salad sandwiches," she said.

Adam smiled. "They're my favorite," he said, even though he hated them; however, today, as long as Maddie was near, he loved everything.

As inconspicuously as he could, Adam edged closer to his date. Of course, she pretended not to notice. "I also made apple pie."

"Sounds delicious!"

Maddie made a face, and put her handkerchief to her nose again. "I'm sorry. I don't know what's wrong with me."

"Absolutely nothing," Adam sighed, "You're perfect."

"Stop it," Maddie laughed.

Adam scooted closer so that they were nearly touching shoulders. "Why am I so lucky to have the prettiest girl right beside me?"

Maddie was about to reply, but was interrupted by a sneeze. "Achoo!"

"Bless you," Adam said.

"Tha-thank-achoo!" Maddie held her nose in her handkerchief. "Achoo! Achoo!"

"Are you alright?" Adam asked, becoming concerned when Maddie's eyes began to water.

Maddie nodded with much effort. "I-I'm-achoo!-fi-fine-achoo!" She stood up and walked a few steps away, and was able to breath again. "My allergies are bothering me."

"I'm sorry," Adam said, standing up also and putting a hand on her arm.

"Achoo! Achoo!" Maddie pulled away. "Do yo-you have a-achoo!-cat?"

Adam paused, a dreadful realization coming over him. "We have a cat at the ranch, yes."

"I'm terribly allergic to cats," Maddie said. Her eyes were becoming puffy from them watering, and her nose red from sneezing.

Adam looked down at himself. At first, he didn't see anything, but he peered closely and at last saw that his black shirt was absolutely covered with cat hair. Black cat hair.

Superstition's black hair.

Adam seethed. That cat was going to pay.

Alright, so what do you think? I've got some more to add, so get ready! :D