I read a translated version of Flowers for Algernon a few years ago. Honestly, I had forgotten why there was a mouse involved. But I remembered that it was a powerful story about the journey of a human life.

Now, after listening to and reading the book again and again, I've found so many moments that feel deeply personal—like reflections of my own life. I saw myself in Charlie. As a kid, I was pretty clueless—studying for exams over and over without really understanding why I was doing it. It wasn't until I entered college that things started to change. I began reading books and digging into information online, and slowly, I started to understand more about the world.

That journey came with a lot of pain. It hurt to realize how much time I'd wasted before. And it stings even more when I look around and see how far behind I am compared to others I admire—especially people my age who seem to have already become the person I want to be.

But Flowers for Algernon reminded me that growth, no matter when it happens, is still meaningful. Even painful change is better than staying in the dark. And maybe that's the real beauty of the story. (This part was completely added by AI, but I like this bright ending, so I'll keep it.)