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retire for the rest of his life with the lifestyle he really wanted. Then he could play poker any time and perfect his system, so he could really hit it big. He dropped a note on the fake VR forum that the Organization used to communicate. He would just have to wait for them to contact him. His name on the VR forum was Weasel, and he used a VR icon of a weasel.

CHAPTER THREE
    Rehab and New Acquaintances

    Major sports injuries are down this year due to a number of rule changes in various sports and the inclusion of new lightweight safety equipment using new materials donated by Space Tech. The rate for more minor injuries remains about the same. Local hospitals say their sports institutes are all prepared to help with any injuries that occur.
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    Miranda knew she was scheduled to go to rehab early the next week. The doctor had removed her bandages and had programmed her nanites to help her hair grow very fast, so she felt a little better about her appearance. Even with it short, at least she had hair! When she woke up the morning before she was scheduled for rehab, she was a little worried about her therapy because she continued to feel very weak physically. Even the simplest physical tasks seemed to challenge her. However, before her appointment, she was surprised to have a visitor, a pretty young woman with shoulder length reddish-blond hair. She was also wearing brighter clothes than the drab uniform most wore in the hospital. She came into Miranda's room carrying a large vase of flowers in one hand and pulling a small wheeled case behind her with the other.  
    Setting the beautiful vase of flowers down in the window, she turned to Miranda with a friendly smile. "Good morning. My name is Andrea James, and I am the hospital patient representative assigned to you. My job is to make sure you have everything you need, and that your stay at our hospital goes well.
    "First, have you had the financial situation explained to you?" When Miranda shook her head, she continued. "All of your hospital expenses are being paid by the trust fund set up for you. Plus, any expenses deemed appropriate will be paid directly by your trust fund. In addition, we have set up a platinum account for you that will receive monthly payments for you to use as needed. That way you will only have to worry about getting better. If you ever need additional amounts, it can be requested and granted pending approval.
    "Secondly, I want you to come to me with anything you need, including needing someone to talk to. I know you have been through a lot, and it has to be a lot to handle at times."
    Miranda nodded. "It has been really hard trying to cope with everything, especially with the memory loss. And I sometimes have strange feelings, like I know something but can't quite place it. Like you, for instance. I feel like I know you, but I have no idea why."
    "I don't think we have met, Miranda. Maybe you saw me pass in the hallway? Anyway that is the kind of thing I am talking about. I will try to come by to see you as often as I can. But for today, I have one more thing for you." Andrea collapsed the handles on the case she had wheeled into the room, and removing the tray from the bedside table, she placed the case on it. "I have brought you clothes and personal items for you to use while you are staying here. That way you can get rid of those horrible hospital gowns. I will get you more things as you need them."
    She then helped Miranda dress as if that was something she did every day. Finally, reaching into a small bag, she pulled out makeup and lightly applied it to Miranda's face. "There," she said, holding a compact mirror up for her to look. "You look beautiful now. We'll have to watch out for all the orderlies, or they will be following you around."
    Miranda laughed at that. "Thanks," she breathed. Pulling her into a hug, she told her, "You already feel like a special friend, and I really need a friend right now."
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    After her meeting, Miranda was