Cactus spine test

I noticed a small round cactus sitting in a glazed teal cup on the corner of the workbench. A dense coat of sharp pale spines stood outwards from its ribs. I paused. Measured the distance with one foot planted flat on the timber plank. Instead of pressing skin against thorn, I picked up a flat wooden craft stick resting beside a tray of pebbles. I brought the tip forward with slow, steady leverage, tapping the outer needle. Crisp click. High tension. The needle bowed slightly without snapping, resisting my pressure. Sturdy defenses. I laid the wooden stick flat along the rim to mark safe clearance.