On the outskirts of the small town of Willowbrook, nestled between dense woods and rolling hills, there was an old, abandoned house that everyone called the Whispering Manor. For years, children had dared each other to go near it, but no one ever stayed long enough to discover its secrets. Rumors swirled about strange sounds and flickering lights, but no one knew if they were true or just stories to keep the curious away. One summer afternoon, a girl named Emma decided she was tired of hearing the stories. She was a curious and brave eleven-year-old who loved adventures. She had always been fascinated by the manor’s mysterious reputation and wanted to see if there was any truth behind the tales. Armed with a flashlight, a notebook, and a sense of daring, Emma slipped out of her house and made her way toward the old house as the sun began to set. As she approached the manor, the large wooden door creaked loudly when she pushed it open. Inside, the air was thick with dust, and the floorboards groaned beneath her footsteps. Emma took a deep breath and stepped inside, her flashlight illuminating the dark rooms. The house was filled with old furniture covered in white sheets, broken windows, and peeling wallpaper. Despite its state of disrepair, Emma felt a strange sense of wonder rather than fear. She wandered through the rooms, taking notes and sketching the strange patterns on the walls. Suddenly, she heard a faint whispering sound. At first, she thought it was the wind, but then she realized it was coming from the attic. Her heart pounded with excitement. She decided to investigate, carefully climbing the creaky staircase. The attic was dusty and filled with old trunks and boxes. As Emma looked around, she found a large, ornate mirror leaning against the wall. The glass was cloudy, but when she peered into it, she saw her reflection—and then, behind her, a faint, shimmering figure. Emma froze. The figure was translucent and seemed to be smiling kindly. Her first instinct was fear, but then she remembered the stories that said the house was haunted by a gentle spirit who protected the house rather than harmed it. Gathering her courage, Emma spoke softly, “Who are you?” The figure didn’t move but seemed to listen. Suddenly, a gentle voice echoed in her mind, telling her about a young girl named Lily who had lived in the house a long time ago. Lily had loved the house and all its secrets, but she had disappeared mysteriously many years ago. Emma felt a strange warmth in her chest, as if she had made a new friend in that ghostly presence. When Emma finally left the house at dusk, she carried with her more than just her notebook; she had a story that would change how everyone saw the old Whispering Manor. It wasn't a place of darkness and fear, but a home filled with memories and gentle spirits who watched over it. From that day on, the children of Willowbrook no longer dared each other to enter the manor. Instead, they learned to respect its quiet, mysterious beauty—and Emma became known as the girl who uncovered the house’s true story.

Answer the following questions based on the passage above.