Lena had always been curious about the old, abandoned house at the end of Maple Lane. The tall, creaky structure had stood silent for decades, its windows boarded up and its paint peeling from years of neglect. Children in the neighborhood would tell stories about the house—some said it was haunted, while others claimed it was just a place where nobody dared to go. But Lena, with her adventurous spirit, was determined to uncover its secrets. One bright Saturday afternoon, armed with a flashlight and her best friend Marco, Lena decided to explore the house. They approached cautiously, their shadows stretching long across the cracked pavement. The front door was slightly ajar, and with a gentle push, it swung open with a loud creak. Inside, the air was thick with dust and the scent of old wood. Sunlight filtered through the broken windows, casting uneven patterns on the cracked floorboards. They stepped inside, their footsteps echoing softly. Lena's eyes darted around, taking in the faded wallpaper, overturned furniture, and piles of broken glass. Marco shivered but kept a brave face. As they moved through the house, Lena noticed a narrow staircase leading to the second floor. Curious, she beckoned Marco to follow her. Upstairs, they found a long corridor lined with doors. Most were locked or damaged, but one at the end of the hall was slightly open. Lena pushed the door gently, revealing a small, cluttered room filled with old trunks, dusty books, and a large mirror covered in grime. On the desk, there was a leather-bound journal. Lena hesitated for a moment before opening it. The journal's pages were filled with hurried handwriting, describing someone’s life in the house. As Lena read aloud, she learned it belonged to a young girl named Emily, who had lived there many years ago. Emily wrote about her dreams, her friends, and her hopes for the future. But there was also mention of a secret—a hidden room she had discovered but never revealed to anyone. Lena's heart raced. She looked around, searching for any sign of the secret room. After a few minutes of examining the walls and floor, she noticed a loose brick behind a faded tapestry. Carefully, she moved it aside and found a small, hidden latch. With effort, she managed to open a secret panel, revealing a tiny door. Inside was a dusty, dimly lit space. To their astonishment, they found a box filled with old photographs, letters, and Emily’s childhood keepsakes. Among them was a small locket with a tiny picture of a young girl. Lena gently picked it up, feeling a strange sense of connection. It was as if Emily’s spirit was still present, watching over her treasured memories. Lena and Marco left the house that day with more questions than answers, but also with a newfound respect for its history. They realized that stories from the past could be found in the most unlikely places, and that sometimes, the secrets we uncover help us understand ourselves better. As they walked back home, Lena looked back at the house one last time, wondering what other mysteries might still be hidden within its walls, waiting to be discovered by someone brave enough to look.

Answer the following questions based on the passage above.