In the small town of Willow Creek, there was a mysterious old house at the edge of the forest. For years, townspeople avoided it, whispering stories about strange lights and sounds coming from within. No one knew why the house was abandoned or what secrets it held. One summer, a curious girl named Emma decided to explore the house. She had always been fascinated by mysteries and believed that there was more to the house than just ghost stories. On a bright Saturday morning, Emma packed her backpack with a flashlight, a notebook, and some snacks. She approached the house cautiously, noting how the creaky wooden door seemed to beckon her inside. As she stepped into the house, the air was thick with dust, and the floorboards groaned under her weight. Emma took out her flashlight and shone it around the dimly lit rooms. To her surprise, she found old paintings, dusty furniture, and a large, leather-bound book on a table. The book was filled with handwritten notes and sketches, revealing that someone had lived there long ago. Emma flipped through the pages, discovering drawings of the forest and maps of hidden paths. Suddenly, she heard a soft rustling sound. Turning around, she saw a small, furry animal that looked like a fox but with unusual markings. It stared at her for a moment before disappearing behind a curtain. Emma felt a thrill of excitement. She realized that the house might not be abandoned after all. She decided to follow the map in the book, which led her to a hidden door behind a bookshelf. Pushing it open, she found a narrow staircase descending into darkness. With her heart pounding, Emma climbed down and discovered a secret underground room filled with old artifacts and photographs. As she explored, Emma uncovered evidence that the house had once belonged to a scientist who studied the local wildlife. The scientist had documented many rare animals, including the mysterious fox Emma had seen. Emma left the house that day with a new sense of adventure and respect for the history of Willow Creek. From that day on, she kept the secret of the house to herself, knowing that some mysteries are meant to be discovered only by those brave enough to seek them.

Answer the following questions based on the passage above.