Lena had always been fascinated by the old lighthouse that stood at the edge of Silver Coast. For years, she had listened to her grandfather’s stories about the lighthouse’s mysterious history and the strange lights that flickered inside it on foggy nights. Unlike most children who found lighthouses to be simply tall, lonely structures, Lena saw it as a gateway to adventure and secrets waiting to be uncovered. One summer afternoon, Lena decided to explore the lighthouse herself. She packed a small bag with a flashlight, a notebook, and some snacks, then set out along the rocky path that led to the towering tower. As she approached, she noticed that the door was slightly ajar, creaking softly in the breeze. Her heart pounded with excitement and a little nervousness as she pushed the door open and stepped inside. The inside of the lighthouse was dusty and filled with cobwebs, but Lena’s curiosity was stronger than her apprehension. She climbed the spiral staircase, each step creaking beneath her weight, until she reached the top. The lantern room was empty, but it was clear someone or something had been there recently. A faint glow flickered in the distance, pulsing like a heartbeat. Lena’s eyes widened as she realized there was a light coming from the lighthouse’s old lantern. Moving quietly, she crept closer and found a small, glowing orb resting on the floor. It shimmered with an otherworldly light that seemed to pulse in rhythm with her heartbeat. As Lena reached out her hand to touch it, she suddenly remembered her grandfather’s stories about the lighthouse’s legend — that it was enchanted and protected by a spirit that kept the coast safe from storms and shipwrecks. Suddenly, the orb began to float, circling around her head. Lena felt a strange warmth spread through her fingers. The light grew brighter, illuminating the entire room. In that moment, she heard a soft whisper, like the rustling of leaves, calling her name. She glanced around, but saw no one. Then, in a flash, the orb dissolved into a cloud of sparkling dust that swirled around her before settling on her shoulders. Lena felt a calm, gentle voice inside her mind, telling her that she was chosen to be the lighthouse’s new guardian. She was told to protect the coast and keep its secrets safe. When she finally looked back at the orb, it was gone, replaced by a small, engraved stone that now rested in her hand. She knew she had been given a special gift — a responsibility she would cherish forever. As she made her way down the stairs, Lena felt a new sense of purpose. She no longer saw the lighthouse as just an old, forgotten tower; instead, she saw it as a symbol of courage, mystery, and adventure. From that day on, Lena visited the lighthouse often, listening for the whispers of the wind and watching for the flicker of strange lights, knowing that somewhere deep inside, she was part of a story much larger than herself. And in her heart, she knew that her adventure was only just beginning.

Answer the following questions based on the passage above.