The Stranger With The Umbrella

(Completely revised and updated edition -- May 24, 2026) Set in New Orleans and Beijing, this gay romance follows Robert Krueger, a 31-year-old assistant professor at Ballmore University, whose life is shattered by the horrific aftermath of Hurricane Katrina on August 29, 2005. After the total destruction of his home, being dumped by the one he hoped to marry, and watching his mother's condition deteriorate due to dementia, he attempts suicide, is hospitalized, and is diagnosed with PTSD. Under the law, he is involuntarily committed to intensive psychiatric treatment. Three years later, though clinically recovered, Robert is still struggling with trauma and emotional scars when he receives word of an unexpected opportunity from a colleague and friend with whom he teaches at the university. A $200,000 grant is being offered by the prestigious UNICEF, in coordination with China’s Disability Association, and is seeking an expert who speaks Chinese and has the required research experience to collect on-site data at selected educational programs throughout China. With skills in both areas, and after much reflection with his colleagues and therapist, he finally decides to apply and, to his surprise, is awarded the grant to conduct the research project over a three-month period during Ballmore’s summer break. As his research project concludes, a final visit to a renowned, innovative early childhood school serving severely disabled autistic children leads to an unsettling encounter. He observes a mysterious five-year-old girl who seems inexplicably drawn to him, staring as if fascinated. Her mother, who happens to be in the classroom visiting, consents to be interviewed for the project’s data collection, and in the course of sharing information about her daughter, she repeatedly refers to her 28-year-old brother as someone who is of great help in managing her daughter’s out-of-control behavioral issues. Later that evening, exhausted from the day’s observations, he makes his twelve-block trek back to the hotel through what begins as light rain. Soon, all changes to a violent storm with lightning, driving winds, and hail. Still haunted by rainstorm-triggered flashbacks to Katrina’s painful ravages, the walk becomes terrifying. Suddenly, the night’s events unleash more horror when lightning strikes a massive tree, causing it to crash to the ground inches in front of him. He freezes, unable to move, until he hears a voice from nowhere cut through the chaos, and shouting in Chinese, “Get under my umbrella.” In that moment, Robert’s past and present collide, setting the stage for a connection that will redefine his understanding of trauma, healing, and love.This is a heartwarming documentation of tragedy and recovery that everyone—gay and straight—can appreciate. Note. Contains explicit sexual situations."Stranger With The Umbrella" is especially dedicated to those who lost their lives due to Hurricane Katrina. Author's email: nevergiveup12346@gmail.comIf you’re on a journey like Robert, read his story! Read more