Lena had always believed that her small town was the sort of place where everyone knew each other’s stories. Growing up in Maplewood, she had listened to countless tales about the town’s history, its traditions, and the mysterious old woods that bordered the eastern edge. But nothing had prepared her for the day she decided to explore beyond the familiar trails. It was a bright Saturday morning when Lena finally gathered her courage and set off toward the woods. She carried her favorite backpack, filled with a water bottle, a notebook, and her trusty flashlight. The air was crisp, tinged with the scent of pine and earth, and the sunlight danced through the leaves in shimmering patterns. As she stepped onto the narrow trail that wound into the trees, Lena felt a thrill of excitement mixed with a little nervousness. She had heard stories of strange noises and strange lights in those woods, but she was determined to discover the truth for herself. The deeper she went, the quieter it became. The only sounds were the crunching of leaves beneath her boots and the occasional chirp of a bird. After about twenty minutes, Lena reached a small clearing she had never seen before. In the center stood an old stone well, partially covered by moss and vines. Curious, she approached it, peering inside. The well was dark and deep, and Lena shivered slightly, wondering if she should try to look inside. Just then, she heard a faint, melodic humming coming from behind her. Turning around, Lena saw a figure emerging from the shadows. It was a girl around her age, with long, flowing hair and a gentle smile. She wore a simple, old-fashioned dress that seemed out of place among the modern trees. The girl nodded politely and introduced herself as Mira. “You’re brave to come this far,” Mira said softly. “Not many do.” Lena blinked in surprise. “How do you know I’m brave? I just wanted to see what’s out here.” Mira chuckled softly. “There’s more to these woods than meets the eye. Sometimes, they hide things—things people have forgotten or never knew about.” Her eyes sparkled with mystery. “Would you like to see something special?” Lena hesitated but then nodded. Mira reached into her pocket and pulled out a small, glowing pebble. As Lena gazed at it, she felt a strange warmth spread through her fingertips. Suddenly, the pebble pulsed with light, illuminating the entire clearing in a soft, shimmering glow. Lena’s heart pounded. She had never seen anything so beautiful and strange at the same time. Mira’s smile grew wider. “This is a piece of the old magic of Maplewood. It’s been hidden away for generations, waiting for someone curious enough to find it. You’re the first in a long time.” Lena’s mind raced with questions. Who was Mira? What was this magic? And why had it been hidden? As the glow faded, Mira gently took Lena’s hand. “There’s more to discover, but for now, you must keep this secret. The woods have chosen you, Lena. You have a special role to play in protecting their secrets.” Lena nodded slowly, feeling both excited and responsible. As she made her way back home, she knew her life had changed forever. The small, familiar town she thought she knew now seemed full of mysteries waiting to be uncovered. And she couldn’t wait to return to the woods and learn more about the magic that had chosen her.

Answer the following questions based on the passage above.