I've written a story about this experience now, well two stories in fact. I had to purge my guilt in some way. Now I'm being extremely patient and kind to my villagers in the hope that they will forgive me in time.
The stories are here (pages 26 and 27), if anyone is interested.

http://www.ldwforums.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=31641