Once upon a time, in a small village nestled at the foot of a towering mountain, there lived a girl named Layla. She was known for her kindness and curiosity, but there was always a lingering sadness in her eyes that no one understood, not even Layla herself. She often felt lost in the world, as though something important was missing, though she couldn’t quite place what it was.

One day, Layla heard a tale from an old traveler about a hidden garden that lay somewhere deep within the mountains. It was said that those who found it would discover the truth about themselves and unlock a profound sense of peace and purpose. Intrigued, Layla decided to embark on a journey to find this fabled garden, hoping that it might provide the answers she sought.

With nothing more than a small pack of food and a walking stick, Layla set off on her quest. The path was steep and winding, and as she climbed higher, the village below became nothing more than a distant memory. For days she wandered through the wilderness, facing treacherous cliffs, icy winds, and thick forests that seemed to grow darker the deeper she went.

On the fifth day, as Layla sat by a cold mountain stream, exhausted and hungry, doubt began to creep into her heart. She...