/** Constructor for the header node. */
    AvlNode() {
      this.elem = null;
      this.elemCount = 1;
    }

    // For discussion of pred() and succ(), see the comment on the pred and succ fields.

    private AvlNode<E> pred() {
      return requireNonNull(pred);
    }

    private AvlNode<E> succ() {
      return requireNonNull(succ);
    }