Advice: Complicated Commission with a Friend

[metallik-hasse.livejournal.com]

Unfortunately, much of the communication for this commission was done verbally at a con, but I'll supply a few screenshots that pertain to the situation as well.

I commissioned a friend back in 2017. They told me that they'd have it done by May 2018, but would get it to me sooner if needed. I sent payment for the piece with extra for shipping via Paypal on Jul 2017.

Through-out the commission they offered a lot of reasons why they weren't working on it, including depression. Because they're my friend, I didn't want them to feel like I was dismissive, so I didn't push the issue. When they missed the deadline, I asked again for progress, but this was met with more excuses.

On June 2018 they sent a very rough sketch for my approval. I responded asking for some edits. After I sent this email, I didn't hear back from them. I was unable to reach them until October, when I sent over this email.

They responded with this.

I waited to post here for advice until after December, because they mentioned hoping to have the piece done by then.

I have no idea how to respond here, I'm honestly at a loss.