The Hidden Treasure of Maplewood Forest Lila had always been curious about the stories her grandfather told her about Maplewood Forest. According to him, long ago, the forest was home to a hidden treasure left behind by explorers who had visited centuries ago. Intrigued by the tales, Lila decided to find out if the treasure was real. One sunny Saturday morning, she packed her backpack with a map, a flashlight, and some snacks. Her best friend, Max, joined her, eager for adventure. They entered the forest just as the sun peeked through the tall trees. The air was filled with the scent of pine and the chirping of birds. Lila pulled out her map, which her grandfather had given her. It showed a series of landmarks, including a large fallen tree, a rock shaped like a star, and a stream that crossed the forest. They followed the map, walking deeper into the woods. Along the way, they crossed the stream over a small wooden bridge and passed a cluster of wildflowers. After about an hour, they reached the large fallen tree. Lila remembered the map indicating that the treasure was nearby. She and Max looked around carefully and noticed a faintly carved symbol on the tree’s trunk—a star. Excited, they looked around the base of the tree and found a small, rusty box buried under some leaves. With trembling hands, Lila opened the box. Inside, they found old coins, a few jewelry pieces, and a faded note. The note read, “To those who find this, remember that the real treasure is the adventure and the friendship you share.” Lila and Max smiled at each other, feeling happy about their discovery. They decided to leave the treasure where they found it, respecting the explorers’ wishes. As they made their way back home, they talked about their adventure and the stories they would tell. Though they didn’t take the treasure, the experience made their friendship stronger and their spirits brighter. From that day on, they knew that sometimes, the journey itself is the greatest reward.

Answer the following questions based on the passage above.