Lena had always been fascinated by the old lighthouse that stood at the edge of her small coastal town. It was a tall, white tower, weathered by years of wind and rain, with a spiral staircase winding up inside. For as long as she could remember, Lena had imagined what it would be like to explore its secret rooms and discover the stories hidden within its walls. One rainy Saturday afternoon, Lena decided to visit the lighthouse. The sky was heavy with dark gray clouds, and the wind howled through the streets, bending trees and rattling windows. She grabbed her backpack, packed with a flashlight, a notebook, and a snack, and hurried toward the lighthouse. As she approached, she noticed that the heavy wooden door was slightly ajar, which was strange because it was usually kept locked. With a mixture of excitement and nervousness, Lena pushed the door open and stepped inside. The air was damp and filled with the scent of salt and old wood. Her footsteps echoed on the worn stone floor as she climbed the narrow staircase, which spiraled upward into darkness. She shone her flashlight ahead, illuminating peeling paint and rusted fixtures along the way. At the top, Lena entered the lantern room. The glass windows were streaked with dirt, but through them, she could see the stormy sea crashing against the rocks below. The lighthouse’s giant lens sat silent and unused, covered in dust. Lena sat down on a bench and took out her notebook. She began to sketch the view and jot down her thoughts, feeling a strange sense of connection to the lighthouse’s lonely history. Suddenly, she heard a faint creak behind her. Turning around, she saw an old, leather-bound box sitting on a shelf. Curious, Lena approached and gently opened it. Inside, she found a collection of faded photographs, a tarnished key, and a small, crumpled letter. The letter was written in elegant handwriting and spoke of a young lighthouse keeper named Samuel, who had lived there many years ago. The letter told of Samuel’s longing to find a way to keep the lighthouse functioning during a terrible storm when the main light failed. He had hidden a spare part in the lighthouse, hoping someone would discover it someday. Lena’s eyes widened as she realized she might have just found Samuel’s secret. She carefully took out the photographs, which showed Samuel working at the lighthouse, smiling and looking out to sea. As she read the letter again, Lena felt a sense of adventure stirring inside her. She decided to search the lighthouse for the hidden part Samuel mentioned. She explored every corner, moving aside loose bricks and lifting old floorboards. After some careful searching, she found a small metal box tucked behind a loose brick in the wall. Inside was a tiny, intricate gear—exactly what Samuel had described. Lena carefully took the gear and tucked it into her pocket. She knew that she had uncovered a piece of history, a story of hope and resilience. As she returned downstairs and stepped out into the storm, she felt a newfound courage. The lighthouse, with its silent watch over the turbulent sea, had become more than just a old tower; it was a symbol of perseverance and discovery. Walking home through the rain, Lena felt grateful for her adventure. She knew she would never forget the day she found Samuel’s secret, or the stories that the lighthouse continued to hold within its weathered walls. And someday, she hoped to return and learn even more of the lighthouse’s mysteries.

Answer the following questions based on the passage above.