Yes. And no. [Fine. Fine.] Tess has helped, all right? We've been... partners for years. Having her near has... it's just helped; it's what I meant when I answered you.

[Joel remembers her words, "He tried to--", remembers how she had burst into tears against him. Clung.]

He can't hurt you anymore. [But David can still succeed through haunting her dreams, clearly.] You're safe now, here. Me and Tess- we'll keep him away.

[Whether Joel means Ellie's nightmares or the possibility of him showing up, he doesn't specific. In his mind, Joel will take care of the man personally whether it's fighting back her nightmares or fighting the bastard away in reality.]