Lena had always been curious about the old house at the end of Maple Street. It was a large, Victorian-style building with tall, crooked windows and a garden overgrown with weeds. For years, children in the neighborhood had whispered stories about it, claiming it was haunted or that secret treasures lay hidden inside. But Lena was different. She wasn’t afraid of stories; she was eager to discover the truth herself. One summer afternoon, with her backpack slung over her shoulder and a flashlight in hand, Lena decided it was time to explore. The sun was shining brightly, casting long shadows across the porch as she stepped up onto the creaking wooden stairs. The door was slightly ajar, and she pushed it open slowly, careful not to make too much noise. Inside, dust motes floated in the rays of sunlight that pierced through the broken curtains. The air was thick with the scent of old wood and forgotten memories. Lena flicked on her flashlight and stepped inside. The house was silent except for the faint sound of a clock ticking somewhere deep within its walls. She moved through a grand hallway lined with faded portraits whose eyes seemed to follow her. Her footsteps echoed on the cracked wooden floor as she made her way into what once might have been a living room. Broken furniture and piles of torn wallpaper were scattered around, evidence of years of neglect. As Lena explored, she noticed a small door at the back of the room. Curious, she pushed it open and found a narrow staircase leading downward. She hesitated for a moment, then decided to go down. The staircase creaked loudly beneath her as she descended into darkness. At the bottom was a small, dusty cellar filled with boxes and old trunks. Lena's eyes widened as she spotted something unusual—an ornate, iron-bound chest tucked into the corner. With trembling hands, she approached the chest and tried to open it. To her surprise, the lid was unlocked. Inside, she found a collection of strange objects: a faded leather journal, a brass key, and a small, mysterious box carved with intricate symbols. Lena carefully picked up the journal and brushed off the dust. The pages were yellowed with age, but she could make out hurried handwriting, telling stories of a family that once lived there and secret plans they had kept hidden. As she read, Lena learned that the house was not haunted but was once a place of love and adventure. The journal spoke of hidden passages, secret doors, and treasures waiting to be discovered. She felt a thrill of excitement. The stories were real, and she had found a piece of history that had been lost for decades. Lena closed the journal gently, clutching it to her chest. She knew she had uncovered something special, something that connected her to the past. As she headed back upstairs and out into the sunlight, she felt a new sense of wonder. The house at the end of Maple Street was no longer just an old, abandoned building—it was a gateway to adventure, waiting for someone brave enough to look closer. And Lena was just that person.

Answer the following questions based on the passage above.