In Progress Report 16, Charlie finally experiences a breakthrough and completes his research on the "Algernon-Gordon Effect," which reveals that the effects of Nemur's surgery will deteriorate over time. Charlie's research and analysis of Algernon are significant and indicate that he will soon revert back to his previous mental state. While working in the lab with Algernon, Charlie has become close to the lab mouse and sympathizes with its fate. Charlie is able to see many parallels between himself and the mouse. They both sacrificed themselves for scientific research, they both experienced dramatically increased intelligence, and they will both revert back to their previous mental states.

Charlie and Algernon are both relatively lonely beings, and Charlie forms a special bond with the lab mouse. After witnessing Algernon's rapid decline and studying the disastrous effects of Nemur's surgery, Charlie comes to terms with his own fate. Once Algernon dies, Charlie places flowers on his grave. These flowers symbolically represent mourning and memory. Charlie's gesture indicates that he also desires to be remembered and mourned by others. His kinship with Algernon is evident, and their destinies are intertwined, which is why he feels compelled to place flowers on the grave. Charlie's fate is imminent, and the flowers symbolically represent his desire to be remembered like Algernon. Charlie can only hope that others will experience the same sympathy for him as he did for Algernon when he loses his intelligence.