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The upcoming novel Waking Up — A journey towards a new dawn for humanity explores the journey towards a transformative future for humanity, told through the story of billionaire tycoon Benjamin Michaels.
In the prologue, in my previous article, Benjamin Michaels made a decision that would change his life forever. But before he could step into the unknown, he had to face the world he knew — one that was unraveling around him. Social unrest was rising, the economy was on the brink, and even from his office high above New York City, he could feel the cracks forming beneath his feet.
Yet, the protests outside weren’t the only storm closing in. A far more personal battle loomed inside him — one he couldn’t escape, no matter how much wealth and power he had. His body was failing him. The future he had built his life upon was slipping away.
Now, in chapter one, we find Ben watching from above as the world fights to redefine itself. He has always believed he understood how things worked. But as doubt creeps in — from both the streets below and the quiet fear inside him — he begins to wonder if everything he thought he knew was wrong.
Here’s an excerpt from Chapter One of Waking Up – A journey towards a new dawn for humanity:
Ben’s stomach twisted as he watched the crowd below from his office on the 89th floor of the Freedom Tower. Hundreds of protesters packed the streets, their chants faintly audible even at this height. Signs waved in the air: “We Are the 99%!” and “People Before Profit!” The words felt like daggers aimed directly at him. He took a step back from the polished glass wall of his office, but the unease wouldn’t leave him.
“They have no idea how the world works,” he muttered. His voice was steady, although the weight of his words dragged him down. But did he still believe that? For the first time, he wasn’t sure.
A sudden crack echoed through the room — sharp, deliberate. Ben froze. The sound came again, followed by a dull thud. He stepped back to the window, his eyes narrowing as he scanned the sea of bodies below. One of the protesters, a young man with a red bandana covering his face, was hurling bricks at the base of the building. Each impact sent shivers through the glass like ripples on a still pond.
The intercom on his desk buzzed, breaking his focus. “Mr. Michaels,” his secretary’s voice was taut, “Security says some of the protesters are trying to breach the perimeter.”
“How close?” Ben’s voice was sharper than he intended.
“They’ve reached the front steps. It’s under control, for now.” There was a hesitation in her tone that Ben didn’t like.
“For now,” he muttered to himself, rubbing his temples. He looked back at the young man outside, still throwing bricks. There was something in the protester’s movements — a raw, almost reckless determination — that Ben couldn’t ignore. For a moment, he felt an inexplicable pang of envy, as though the young man had something he no longer did.
The intercom buzzed again. “Sir, should we… escalate security measures?”
Ben exhaled slowly, his hand resting on the edge of his desk. “No. Not yet. Just keep me updated.”
He turned back to the window. The young man had stopped throwing bricks and was staring up at the towering building, his fists clenched. Ben’s chest tightened. Was it anger he felt, or fear? Or was it something else entirely — something dangerously close to recognition?
…
Do you find this interesting and want to read the whole story when the ebook arrives on May 2. 2025? If so, you can preorder it here:
Available now at your favorite digital store!
Waking Up by Harald Neslein Sando
Make sure to stay tuned for more updates and excerpts!