Money And Friends

Some time ago, I loaned $1,000 to a couple I considered to be my closest friends. Their money was tied up in a court dispute with a business partner, and they needed financial assistance for living expenses.
I didn’t have much excess cash sitting around, but I offered them my income tax refund because I knew they were desperate. They promised to pay me back within 90 days.
The due date came and went. They didn’t send the money, and I didn’t hear a word from them. When I asked them to repay the loan soon, they assured me that the money would be in my hands within two weeks. After two weeks no money was sent and no explanation was given. When I phoned to say I really needed that $1,000, I was informed rather brusquely that they would give me the money when they could.It’s been six months since I first told them I needed that money. I have written twice to let them know that I understand things are tight and that they are probably embarrassed. I asked if we could work out some sort of repayment schedule. So far they haven’t replied. I’ve left messages on their answering machine, but there has been no response.Short of legal action, I don’t know what else to do to get my money back and still retain our friendship. Needless to say, I’m deeply disappointed that my good friends would treat me this way.