One of the challenges of analyzing Once Upon a Time as a metaphorical representation of both Emma Swan's past and her present, is to figure out the specific details. It is easy to find the recurring themes like abandoned children, hospital settings and unexpected family connections, but when it comes to actually figuring out the details, things become a bit more complicated.
All we can do is create a working theory based on the recurring themes and rewatch the show to see if we can find a clue. Today was one of the days where we stumbled upon some potential clues.
One of the working theories is that Emma has become a commodity, because if she is declared brain dead, someone could receive her organs.
This recurring theme, combined with the theme of Emma's rapidly growing family in season 1, made us think that the people in need of an organ are Emma's biological relatives; possibly a parent or a sibling.
In Season 2, episode 13, we come across a hint that could give us more specifics when Emma calls Mr Gold her father.
Another hint is given earlier in the episode when Gold is standing next to a sign that says "Terminal C", suggesting the medical issue this family member is possibly dealing with, is terminal cancer.
And so the solving of the biggest televised jigsaw puzzle continues...
