My condolences

I was supposed to get a small reimbursement from a seller on eBay. The seller was taking his time with it, so I wrote to ask what was happening.

He apologized and wrote there had been a "deaf" in the family (he lives in the UK, and based on his name, likely isn't a native English speaker), but that he would take care of it soon.

I wrote back, very sincerely: "Sorry to hear that." (I couldn't help myself.)

He thanked me.