That’s why I think the doll may have something to do with Rumple’s mother. It obviously held some very deep meaning for Rumple and it has to do with something Rumple hasn’t thought about in years.
Just a thought, what if whilst Rumple was at the spinsters, he met a little girl who became like a little sister to him. They’d look out for each other but one day something happens to the little girl and Rumple feels like its his fault he didn’t protect her.