Why did Matt want to go to Annabella’s house with Kira?

In chapter eight of the Lois Lowry's novel Gathering Blue, Kira, the main character, has to go to Annabella's house to learn how to make dye. The path there lies through the woods, and Kira is apprehensive. The common knowledge is that there are ferocious beasts living in the woods, but if one stays on the path, he or she will be safe.
Matt is a mischievous little boy, befriended by Kira. The author does not state directly why he wants to accompany her, but it is clear to the readers that Matt thinks that walking through the woods to a place he has never been before is a big adventure. Also, Kira, as opposed to most other people, is nice to him, so he enjoys spending time with her. He tries to convince Kira to take him by saying that she will be needing protection and help, in case she gets lost.
Kira tries to dissuade him because she does not think it is a good idea for a little boy to go on such a long walk; however, she really would like his company on what would otherwise be a lonely trip. When Matt demonstrates that he has already prepared his own provisions by stealing bread from the baker, she cannot object any longer. "So the boy won, to Kira's delight, and she had company for the journey into the forest."