Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank.

We would have loved to stay __________ like children all our lives.

innocent

The most appropriate option to fill in the blank is innocent.

The word "innocent" means free from guilt or sin. It is the most appropriate word to use in this context, as it conveys the meaning of wanting to stay carefree and without guile like children all our lives.

The other options are not as appropriate.

• Shy means timid or reserved. This is not the right word to use, as it does not make sense to say that we would have loved to stay shy like children all our lives.
• Fragile means easily broken or damaged. This is not the right word to use, as it does not make sense to say that we would have loved to stay fragile like children all our lives.
• Cunning means clever or skillful in a devious way. This is not the right word to use, as it does not make sense to say that we would have loved to stay cunning like children all our lives.