Liam had always loved exploring. From the moment he received his first backpack at age seven, he had dreamed of discovering hidden places and unraveling mysteries that others overlooked. His favorite spot was an old, abandoned house at the edge of Maplewood Forest. It had been empty for decades, and local legends claimed it was haunted, but Liam was convinced there was more to the story. One warm, breezy Saturday afternoon, Liam decided to venture inside the house. He grabbed his flashlight, a notebook, and a camera, eager to document anything unusual. As he approached the house, the creaky wooden door seemed to welcome him. Pushing it open, he stepped into a dim, dusty foyer. The air smelled of old wood and forgotten memories. Liam tiptoed through the house, inspecting every room. In the attic, he found a dusty trunk filled with yellowed papers, old photographs, and a peculiar, ornate key. Curious, he examined the key and wondered what it might unlock. He pocketed it carefully, feeling a thrill of excitement. Suddenly, Liam noticed a faint glow coming from beneath a loose floorboard in the living room. He knelt down and pried it open. To his amazement, he found a small, wooden box with intricate carvings. The box was locked, but the key from the attic fit perfectly into its latch. With a click, the box opened to reveal a collection of strange, shiny stones and a folded piece of parchment. Liam carefully unfolded the parchment. It was a letter, written in elegant handwriting. It read: "To the one who finds this, remember that every secret has its key. Follow your curiosity, and you will uncover what is hidden." The message sent a shiver down Liam’s spine. He wondered if it was a clue or a puzzle left by someone long ago. He examined the stones—they shimmered with colors that seemed to shift in the light. Each stone was smooth and cool to the touch, and Liam felt a strange warmth emanating from them. He decided to take a few with him, thinking they might be valuable or magical. As he prepared to leave, Liam noticed a small, hidden compartment behind the fireplace. Inside was a faded map, showing the layout of Maplewood Forest and marking a spot with an X. Liam’s heart raced. Could this be the next step in his adventure? Was there something buried or hidden at the X? He knew he couldn’t wait to find out. Carefully folding the map, he tucked it into his backpack along with the stones and the letter. As he stepped outside into the bright sunlight, Liam felt a surge of excitement. Today’s discovery was just the beginning. Liam walked back toward the forest, eager to follow the map and uncover whatever secrets lay hidden beneath the earth. He knew that some mysteries were meant to be solved, and he was determined to be the one to unravel this one. For Liam, exploring was more than a hobby — it was a quest for adventure, knowledge, and the thrill of discovery.

Answer the following questions based on the passage above.