Lena had always believed that her town, Meadowbrook, was a quiet place where nothing extraordinary ever happened. Nestled between rolling hills and dense forests, it was a town full of familiar faces and predictable routines. Every morning, she walked to school along the same winding path, passing the old oak tree that had stood there for generations. Despite its age, the tree seemed to watch over the town, its branches stretching out like welcoming arms. One late afternoon, as Lena was walking home from school, she noticed something unusual near the base of the oak tree. There was a small, shimmering box partially buried in the dirt. Curious, she knelt down and brushed away the leaves and soil. The box was ornate, decorated with intricate patterns that seemed to glow faintly in the sunlight. It was locked, but Lena’s eyes sparkled with excitement. She wondered who could have left it there and what secrets it might hold. Lena hurried home, her mind racing with questions. She showed the box to her older brother, Jake, who was more skeptical but equally intrigued. They decided to keep the discovery a secret and investigate further. The next day, Lena returned to the oak tree with a set of small tools she had borrowed from her dad. Carefully, she tried to open the box, but it wouldn’t budge. It was locked tight, and there were no visible keyholes. That evening, Lena could hardly sleep. She kept thinking about the box and what might be inside. She wondered if it was a treasure, a message, or perhaps something magical. Her imagination ran wild with possibilities. The next morning, she visited the town’s library and researched old stories about Meadowbrook. She learned that generations ago, the town’s founders had hidden a secret treasure somewhere in the woods, but no one had ever found it. Inspired by her discovery and the stories she had read, Lena decided to search the woods again. With her backpack filled with supplies, she ventured into the forest, following a faint trail she had noticed near the oak tree. Hours passed as she explored, climbing over fallen logs and pushing through thick bushes. Just as the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the trees, Lena found herself in a small clearing. In the center stood a stone marker with strange symbols carved into it. Lena approached the marker and examined it carefully. Suddenly, she noticed a faint outline on the ground nearby. Digging cautiously, she uncovered a small wooden chest. Her heart pounded with excitement. She carefully opened it, expecting gold or jewels. Instead, she found a collection of old letters, photographs, and a locket containing a tiny portrait. At first, Lena was disappointed. But as she read the letters, she realized they told the story of a young girl named Anna who had lived in Meadowbrook long ago. Anna’s letters described her adventures, her hopes, and her love for the town. The photographs showed scenes from Meadowbrook’s past—children playing, families celebrating, and the old oak tree in all its glory. Lena understood then that the real treasure was not gold or jewels, but the history and memories of her town. She carefully packed the letters and photographs, knowing they belonged to the community. When she returned home, she shared her discovery with her family and the town’s elders. Together, they decided to create a small museum to preserve Meadowbrook’s history, honoring Anna’s story and the town’s rich heritage. From that day on, Lena looked at her town differently. What once seemed ordinary now felt magical, filled with stories waiting to be uncovered. She realized that sometimes, the greatest treasures are the stories and memories that connect us to our past, helping us understand who we are and where we come from.

Answer the following questions based on the passage above.