Kicking the Bucket — David Chadwick

Kicking the Bucket has two definitions. It's a vulgar euphemism for dropping dead, or a literal description of your life support system being involuntarily dispensed with on the gallows, i.e., by kicking away the bucket you may be standing on with the rope around your neck, or by voluntarily removing yourself from the felicitations and care of your family, the NHS, 'and Social Services. Charles Fenemore, faced with his inevitable decline into senility like most of his friends, chose the latter with unforeseen outcomes. Leaving his ultimate fate to chance and circumstance, he buys an old boat and sails into 'the setting sun', informing no-one of his intentions except his son who reluctantly aids his plans, and arousing the interest of a washed-up journalist who senses an ulterior motive behind his escapade. Subsequent events cause him to query his own feelings and those of his family left behind.