After the 'What would you do' game, the mood turns a little more reflective.

Nok: 'Honestly, I wish I had more free time. Work has been so busy lately.'
Somsak: 'I know what you mean. I wish I didn't have to travel so much for site visits.'
Anna: 'I wish I lived closer to my family in England. I only see them once a year.'
Nok: 'If only we could all take a long holiday together!'
Anna: 'If only! But look — we're doing something good right now, learning together. That counts for a lot.'

Somsak smiles. 'True. I wish I had started learning English years ago, actually. It would have made my job so much easier.' Anna nods. 'That one is about the past, so it works a little differently — but we'll get to that soon, with the third conditional. For now, focus on the present: I wish + past simple expresses a wish about something that isn't true right now. If only works the same way, just a bit stronger and more emotional.' 'I wish I understood grammar this well before!' jokes Nok, and everyone laughs. 🔊