Will was devastated when Duffy passed away. When they informed him of her death, he became speechless for the first time in his life. Which was a rare occasion - He could be a right loudmouth at times!
He'd always had a soft spot for her. She treated him better than his own 'Mammy' did. Saying goodbye to the woman who had taught him so much and never wanted anything but a hug in return was the toughest medicine to swallow.
Will watched everyone around him crumble with sadness, guilt and grief. He felt guilty for not knowing how to help them through it. He was the one who usually made them all laugh when they were down, but not this time.
Watching people put flowers outside the ED made the whole situation very real for him. He took some time out to read the notes and cards people left. Stopping when he got too emotional and felt the need to hide in the car.
He couldn't show anyone how upset he was. He had to be the strong one! He had to be there for everyone else. Will knew the pain he felt, wasn't going to go away with a cheap bottle of vodka and sex with a stranger like it always did. He had to face it this time. Running away wasn't an option.
Archie noticed how Will had been drinking less since Duffy's death. Whenever she asked him if he was ok, she'd get a shrug in response, because he honestly didn't know how he felt.
Being asked to carry Duffy's coffin was an honour to Will. He felt privileged to be carrying this extraordinary woman on her final journey. He was of course nervous. He'd never carried a coffin before. He was frightened of dropping it, as it was apparently quite heavy.
He had a smoke outside the church before the funeral began. Much to everyone around him's objection. It was the only way he could calm his nerves without alcohol. Noel was the only one who seemed to understand and kindly inspected his suit for stray ash.
Will hadn't worn a suit and tie for years. It felt strange dressing so smart. He was fearful about dropping anything down his white shirt or clean suit jacket. Thankfully his caution paid off and he remained smart-looking until the wake.
His main worry was letting Duffy down. All the possible ways he could do that weighed on his mind for days before the funeral. He had nobody to talk to about his worries, he didn't want to burden anyone whilst they were grieving.
On seeing the hearse arrive, reality kicked in for everyone. The crowd of people outside fell silent. Before going to assume a position ready to pick up the coffin, Will gave Charlie a gentle pat on the shoulder.
Most got through the funeral without crying, which was a difficult task. Particularly when Charlie put her pocket watch on the coffin.
The day before the funeral, Will found the baby doll that he and Duffy gave to a dementia patient, Elsie. It had been returned from the care home after she died.
He looked at it for a while, thinking back to how funny Duffy found it when she made him carry the doll through the ED with a pink blanket on his shoulder.
Holding the doll with one hand in front of him, he smiled through tearful eyes.
He's never told anyone this, but he secretly took the doll home and put it on his collectables shelf. Among several Funko Pop figures. All 5 Fraggle Rock characters and Snoopy, currently guard the doll with their lives.