In Barbara Kingsolver's "Unsheltered," the protagonist, Willa, grapples with her feelings of anxiety regarding her family's health and safety. Her deep-seated fears manifest in her readiness to anticipate the worst during routine family medical appointments and during unsettling late-night phone calls. This defensive mechanism serves to prepare her for potential bad news, highlighting her struggle to manage fear and uncertainty.

Willa's introspection raises questions about her perception of reality and her ability to recognize the actual risks and challenges her family faces. Despite her cautious approach, she reflects on how she may have overlooked the signs or signals that indicated deeper issues within her family. This duality in her character illustrates the tension between conscious preparedness and the unpredictability of life.