In "Everything Covered Me like a Second Skin," what causes China Iron to become so protective of her clothing, Liz, and Estreya?

China Iron realizes that she has become a new person--one who is surrounded by comfortable and clean clothing, shoes, and sheets. She suddenly realizes that if she were to lose these things and be returned to her old world, she would feel naked and vulnerable. The clothing, Liz, and Estreya are all inextricably bound up in this new life and the new feeling of safety she is terrified to lose.