I think that's part of it. (in many ways, willa has been closed off from the world at large whether it was in bobo's treehouse or in the cult. she needs guidance -- who else would be willing to give it to her?)

I also...I already lost her twice, you know? I don't want to a third time. Not if I can help it. I guess it's selfish in a way because it's for me as much as it is for her.