On the outskirts of the small town of Willowbrook, nestled between rolling hills and dense forests, there was a hidden clearing that few people ever visited. The first time Lily discovered it, she was wandering through the woods on a bright spring afternoon, her curiosity leading her deeper into the shadows of towering oak and maple trees. As she pushed aside a curtain of hanging vines, she stepped into a space that seemed untouched by time. The clearing was like a secret world. The grass beneath her feet was soft and lush, dotted with tiny wildflowers in shades of purple, yellow, and white. Butterflies flitted lazily from blossom to blossom, their delicate wings shimmering in the sunlight. Somewhere nearby, a small creek chuckled softly over smooth stones, its gentle murmur adding to the peaceful chorus of birdsong and rustling leaves. The air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming jasmine and freshly cut grass, mingling with the earthy aroma of damp soil and moss. At the center of the clearing stood an ancient oak tree, its mighty branches stretching wide and high into the sky. Its trunk was thick and gnarled, marked with deep creases and patches of rough bark that looked like stories from centuries past. Hanging from one of its sturdy limbs was a swing made from a worn wooden plank and a length of frayed rope. Lily’s eyes lit up at the sight, her mind immediately imagining herself soaring through the air, feeling the wind rush past her face. Surrounding the oak were smaller trees and bushes, their leaves creating a patchwork of shadows and sunlight. A cluster of wild strawberries grew near the edge of the clearing, their red fruit bright against the green leaves. Lily reached out to pluck one, savoring its sweet, tangy flavor. She noticed a family of robins flitting about, their tiny bodies darting from branch to branch as they built a nest in the crook of a nearby tree limb. Occasionally, a squirrel scurried across the ground, its bushy tail flicking as it searched for acorns. The atmosphere of the clearing was quiet yet alive, as if it held its own hidden heartbeat. It was a place where time seemed to slow down, where worries melted away with each breath of fresh air. Lily felt an inexplicable sense of peace and wonder every time she stepped into this secret sanctuary. It was her special refuge, a place to think, dream, and simply be still amidst the beauty of nature. Over the weeks, Lily returned to the clearing often, each visit revealing new sights and sounds. Sometimes, she would bring a notebook to sketch the landscape or write down her thoughts inspired by the serenity around her. Other times, she simply sat on the swing and watched the clouds drift lazily across the sky. The clearing became a part of her, a magical corner of the world where she could escape from the noise and chaos of everyday life and reconnect with the simple, gentle rhythm of nature.

Answer the following questions based on the passage above.