"That will be £5000" Meredith smiled calmly "each"
"What? No way!" was Nicola's immediate response.
"We don't have that sort of money" James added, somewhat apologetically.
"And we wouldn't pay that much even if we did" Nicola added for good measure.
"Have it your way" the shopkeeper shrugged "but until I receive full recompense for what you have destroyed you will both be cursed"
"That's hilarious!" Nicola guffawed with skeptical relief "Ok, curse us then. That's fine. We'll see you around"
"Don't you even want to know what the curse is?" Meredith seemed amused by the whole exchange.
"Go on then, I could use a good laugh" Nicola mocked as she paused by the shop exit.
"I can assure you you won't find this funny for long" the older woman smiled "from now on, everyone will see you both in a completely different way"
"That's it?" Nicola sneered "that's our curse?"
"I wouldn't underestimate the power of perception" Meredith warned "It is an incredibly influential force. Over time how others see you will shape your relationships, your experiences, your behaviours and mannerisms and eventually even your physical forms. You will become what the world sees you as. Unless you bring me my money, that is"
"Yeah, good luck with that you lunatic" was Nicola's parting shot as she and James left the shop.
Meredith folded her arms and chuckled to herself. It wouldn't be long before these two cane running back to her.