Lena had always been fascinated by the old oak tree at the edge of her grandmother’s farm. It stood tall and proud, its branches stretching out like welcoming arms. As a child, Lena had spent countless afternoons playing beneath its shade, imagining it was a castle, a spaceship, or a secret hideout. But now, at fourteen, she saw the tree differently. It was a silent witness to the many changes and stories that had unfolded around it. One summer afternoon, Lena decided to explore the tree more closely. She had heard her grandmother talk about a hidden nook inside one of the thick branches, a place where a small treasure might be buried. Legends among the family said that long ago, the tree had been the meeting spot for secret gatherings, and perhaps, it held a secret of its own. Lena carefully climbed onto the sturdy roots at the base of the tree. She brushed aside some leaves and moss, then reached for the lowest branch. As she pulled herself up, she noticed a faint carving on the bark—faint letters that seemed to spell out a name: “Eli.” Curious, Lena traced her fingers over the carving. She wondered who Eli was and what his story might be. After ascending higher, Lena finally reached the rumored hidden nook. It was a small hollow inside the branch, just big enough for her to squeeze into. Inside, she found a weathered wooden box wrapped in faded cloth. Her heart pounded with excitement as she carefully opened it. Inside, she discovered a collection of old photographs, a rusty pocket watch, and a yellowed letter. The letter was addressed to “My dearest,” and it was signed “Eli.” Lena read the words carefully. Eli wrote about his love for a girl named Emma, how he had hoped to see her again, and how he left a piece of himself in this very tree, believing that someday someone would find his treasures and carry on his story. Lena felt a strange connection to Eli and Emma. She wondered why their story had been hidden away for so long. The photographs showed a young couple smiling, their faces full of hope. The pocket watch was engraved with a date and initials, hinting at a special moment in their lives. As the sun began to set, Lena gently placed everything back into the box, sealing it once more. She knew she had uncovered something precious, not just a hidden treasure but a story of love and hope that had remained buried for generations. When she climbed down from the tree, she felt a new sense of wonder about her family’s history and the stories waiting to be discovered. Lena decided she would share what she found with her grandmother the next day. Maybe, she thought, there were still more secrets hidden in the old oak tree, waiting for someone curious enough to find them. And with that thought, she smiled, feeling connected to her past and excited for the stories yet to be uncovered.

Answer the following questions based on the passage above.