In the Pursuit of Mr. Reeves

Chapter 1: The Wish

I hope you guys enjoy this chapter! I don't know what made me write this but I hope you guys like it. 

LUCCA, ITALY, NOVEMBER, 2019

Keanu was warned several times to take it easy. From the director, to the producers, to even the interns, they were all concerned that the actor was working himself to death. The fourth installation to John Wick was fun, but a toll on his aging body. He would never quit (unless forced to) but sometimes he just needed time for himself. So, they took time to film other scenes while he walked the streets of Lucca, just looking to take a mini vacation.

His sneakers slammed gently against the stones with a skip in his step. A few people recognized him here and there and he was more than happy to take pictures with fans. Other than that, the actor was left to himself. Keanu had always loved Italy. It was peaceful yet full of life. It was a gorgeous country to be in when filming. The beauty of ancient people stood and Mr. Reeves found himself mesmerized.

Even through the city could make him feel happy, he still felt alone. There were crowds of friends by buildings. The tourists took pictures together and crowded around the buildings in their big groups. There were lovers in the streets, leaning on each other and kissing in the soft sunlight. Mothers held babies and fathers ran with their children, laughing with sons and daughters. Keanu felt alone a lot, but he was still happy. He just wished he could become close with people...or someone.

Keanu took in the homes and stores, trying to find a sense of peace within the town. He walked past a shop, made from withering bricks and a slab of wood that hung by two chains. On it was 'Futuro di Signora Gallo' painted in red. The paint was old and chipped, with fingerprints smudging the outside. The windows were stained glass, with different colors along each pane and the light reflecting through. The actor watched beads and windchimes flowing in the breeze and saw an old woman sitting in a chair outside of the shop. Her bright clothing draped over the chair, with a pipe around her wrinkled mouth. Her blue eyes looked out at the open road while he walked past.

"Everyone's been saying that you've come to Lucca for filming," she said, glancing at Keanu's back," My grandson said it was only a matter of time before you finally showed up to our town."

"So you recognize me?" he asked as he turned back to her.

"Of course I do," she said," I'm old, not dead. And since I am old, I am considered a wise woman. A wise woman who knows your future. Tell me, Mr Reeves," the old woman stood from her chair, feeble with her movements," your loneliness has increased since you came to Italy, am I wrong?"

How could she have known that? Keanu turned back to face her, but she was walking inside. The man felt as though he had no choice. He followed her into the shop, among shag carpets and dangling beads. He found himself in a room, past a curtain of red beads, was a table in purple cloth. A crystal ball was in the middle, and the old lady was sitting, facing the actor. He knew this was a fortune telling, but he had been interested in doing so. She offered him a seat in front of her, which he took.

"Now," she extended her hand to Keanu," take my hand," to which Keanu took her hand, and she let the other hand wave over the ball," I will look into your future, and tell you what is in store for you."

She waved the free hand over the ball again. Keanu looked, but saw nothing. It was still just a see through ball. The old woman gasped, scaring the daylights out of the actor.

"What's wrong?" he asked.

"I see that you will soon make a wish here" she said softly," it is a wish that will change your life. Not right away! But soon. The wish gives you ten, no! Eleven figures standing in the distance. They come to you, they come in search of answers. They will need you."

"People need me because a wish?" Keanu paused as she nodded. Suddenly, she reeled back again, but the actor was prepared, "What do you see now?"

"The figures have split apart. They are scattered all over, in search of each other. Ten are coming together, but the eleventh is distant. The eleventh is far from the reach of the others. The ten clustered are lost."

Much like how Keanu felt in his life. Yet, the woman let out a pleasant sound, peaking the interests of Mr. Reeves.

"Another figure has approached the ten that stand together. This figure is smaller and fragile physically, but there is strength within her."

Keanu didn't say much as the woman pushed away from her crystal ball. What could this crowd of ten, an eleventh person and a girl be doing in his life? With curiosity, he leaned in.

"What do I wish for?"

"That is all up to you," the woman let go of his hand and stood," now, Mr Reeves, there is an old saying. 'If you touch blue, your wish will come true.' I have a blue tulip from years ago. It dies in the winter, then comes back to me in the spring. It is said to be a beacon of hope in the Gallo family. This could change your life."

Keanu looked down at the flower. Its fresh petals and green stem were beautiful. He glanced to the old woman. She had a look of encouragement.

"Just think your wish as you touch the petals."

"And this will work?" he asked.

"It's worked for others."

If he was honest with himself, he was willing to take a risk. As he touched the blue petals, he wished to never be alone. To find people just like him. To find something he cared about. When his fingertips lingered off, he looked to the old woman. She smiled softly and bowed her head.

"Your wish is granted."

"How will I know if it was?"

"You will see."

Keanu thanked her for her time. He left, feeling as though it was unsuccessful. It didn't work, as far as he was concerned. He walked back to the hotel, feeling alone again. Naturally. But miles away, across the ocean and far from his reach, the story was beginning.