hey mate,
99% of the times, the ''i need space'' is the pussy way out.. not ready to give it up YET, but both knowing it is over
from personal experience, i took it the hard way, being with someone for 9 months, and the last 6 where : i love her, but i don't miss her when i'm not with her, i don't need her, and frankly we where fighting so often.. it wasn't realy healthy, i lost 8 pounds in that relationship... from stress...
i think, loving someone never fades, if she sees you as a friend now, you are fucked.. imagine as if you where her, you love someone, it starts fading, so much that you love someone as a friend...
if you want to be happy the rest of your life, do you want too be with someone that loves you only that much?

or do you want someone that would give there whole for you, and that you know AND FEEL that they would..
you must decide for yourself if you want too hold on or not.. be honnest with yourself, is it all worth it? are you too weak at this time to let go? is the pain you will suffer worth it?
and if she does return, you must realise you will live in doubt, FOR A VERY LONG TIME

it is basicly fucked fucked fucked
sorry bro :/